Grantee Research Project Results

A High Performance Analytic Element Model: GIS Interface, Calibration Tools, and Application to the Niagara Falls Region

EPA Grant Number: R827961
Title: A High Performance Analytic Element Model: GIS Interface, Calibration Tools, and Application to the Niagara Falls Region
Investigators: Rabideau, Alan J. , Becker, Matthew W. , Flewelling, Douglas
Current Investigators: Rabideau, Alan J.
Institution: University of Buffalo
Current Institution: The State University of New York at Buffalo
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2003 (Extended to April 1, 2004)
Project Amount: $996,545
RFA: Computing Technology for Ecosystem Modeling (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Environmental Statistics

Description:

The proposed project activities include:

·Development of a high performance groundwater flow model based on the analytic element method (AEM), with an emphasis on MPI-based portability.
·Development and comparison of automated calibration/optimization tools based on: 1) nonlinear regression and 2) the genetic algorithm.
·Development of a GIS-based graphical user interface for the modeling system.
·Extensive testing of the modeling system on 3 high-performance parallel computing platforms: the SGI Origin, the IBM SP, and a heterogeneous Sun workstation cluster.
·Application of the modeling tools to a case study of regional groundwater flow in the Niagara Falls/Lake Ontario region, including comparisons with previous efforts based on the traditional finite difference approach.

Expected Results:

In addition to research reports and journal articles documenting the above activities, the project will produce a public domain modeling system that has been extensively tested on 3 leading edge massively parallel platforms, thus ensuring portability to nearly any parallel environment. The calibration/optimization algorithm will take advantage of the unique features of AEM and the inherently parallel genetic algorithm, thus extending the power of automated inverse methods to very large-scale regional problems. The project will also promote the development and use of AEM models through a national workshop and regional distance learning course, and be coordinated with concurrent EPA initiatives in ecosystem modeling, particularly the Multimedia Integrated Modeling System (MIMS).

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 46 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 15 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

groundwater, ecosystem, analytic element method, AEM, modeling, calibration tools.,

Relevant Websites:

http://www.groundwater.buffalo.edu Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.