Ground Water Flow and Transport for the SICS and TIME Models

The objective of this project is to develop a numerical groundwater flow model that can be used with the TIME surface water model to quantify and predict flows and salinities in the coastal wetlands of the southern Everglades. Field data will be collected to help formulate the hydrogeologic conceptual model and for calibration of the model to flows, water levels, and salinities. Data collection will consist of monitoring well installation, seepage measurements, spatial characterization of peat thickness, and continuous monitoring of water levels and salinities at selected locations.

The SICS model encompasses Taylor Slough and uses a 300-m grid resolution. The larger TIME model encompasses Shark and Taylor Sloughs and uses a 500-m grid resolution. A groundwater model has already been developed and linked with the SICS surface water model. This integrated SICS model simulates flows, stages, and salinities for the 5-year period from 1995 to 2000. Plans for the SICS model are to extend the simulation period through 2002 and complete a linkage to the South Florida Water Management District’s model, called the "2x2" model. The SICS model will then be capable of performing detailed restoration scenarios for the Taylor Slough area. A preliminary groundwater model has also been developed for the TIME area, but this groundwater model has not yet been linked with a surface water model. Ray Schaffranek is currently finalizing a 3-month simulation with the TIME surface water model. As part of this project, the groundwater model will be linked with the TIME surface water model, and the simulation period will be extended to cover 2 years. A related CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) project will extend this simulation period to 7 years and link with the 2x2 to perform Everglade restoration scenarios. This project also involves quantifying surface water and groundwater interactions by using nested monitoring wells and seepage meters. Data from the field studies are used to calibrate and verify the SICS and TIME models.