Tools for Groundwater Education
Groundwater plays an integral role in the hydrologic cycle but is difficult to see, and therefore often misunderstood or ignored. HydroFrame provides free tools and lesson plans to help students explore the way water moves in the subsurface and interacts with the surface. See below for current resources and stay tuned for additions!
PARFLOW SANDTANK MODEL
An online simulation tool that lets users interactively simulate and visualize groundwater movement through a virtual slice of the subsurface. Users can adjust groundwater levels, change subsurface properties, pump groundwater, and add pollutants then watch the system respond in real time.
HILLSLOPE TEMPLATE
The hillslope template is a variation of the ParFlow Sandtank model that allows users to explore subsurface hydrology using a simplified hillslope model.
Developed by Abe Farley, University of Arizona
TUCSON-TCE TEMPLATE
The hillslope template This is a location-specific template that models subsurface conditions in Tucson, AZ. Users can model real environmental scenarios that impact Tucson’s groundwater supply.
Developed by Abe Farley, University of Arizona
AGROSYSTEM
This is an advanced ParFlow Sandtank template with enhanced capabilities to explore topics like climate change and sustainable agriculture practices.
Developed by Sara Cerasoli, Princeton University
SANDTANK-ML
An online tool that builds upon the ParFlow Sandtank, allowing users to explore fundamental machine learning concepts and how machine learning technology is being applied in hydrology.
SANDTANK-ML: ADVANCED
Coming soon
A version of Sandtank-ML with additional features included to support advanced lesson development.
SANDTANK-ML: EPOCH
Coming soon
A version of Sandtank-ML that includes features to support epoch lesson development. Users will
learn what an epoch is and how it can impact machine learning outputs.
SANDTANK-ML: DROPOUT
Coming soon
A version of Sandtank-ML that includes features to support dropout lesson development. Users will learn what dropout means and how it impacts machine learning outputs.
DIY SOIL PERMEAMETER
An online application that helps you build your own soil permeameter with materials around your home, then measure the hydraulic conductivity (how quickly water flows through the soil) of your own soil sample. You can also compare your soil samples to others and attempt the designer soil challenge!
Developed by Christopher Browne, Princeton University
