Hydrogeologic framework construction, using an example from the Death Valley ground-water flow system, Nevada and California, USA

An understanding of ground-water flow requires the formulation of conceptual and digital models that characterize the three-dimensional (3D) hydrogeologic framework within which the water moves. One such digital model is a hydrogeologic framework model (HFM), a computer-based volumetric model that provides a description of the geometry, composition, and hydraulic properties of the hydrostratigraphic units and structures in a ground-water flow system. This paper will discuss the general process of understanding the hydrogeologic framework and constructing a HFM based on experience in the Death Valley region.