Iowa DNR: RBCA Tier-3 Software Evaluation

The most commonly used three-dimensional (3D) computer software packages, Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) and Visual MODFLOW, plus the two-dimensional (2D) software package, BIOPLUME III were selected to be evaluated for the purpose of the Iowa RBCA Tier 3 analysis. The 3D packages contain the well-established groundwater modeling codes, MODFLOW, MT3D, MT3DMS, and RT3D. The specific features of each of the packages are described and compared. In addition, general data requirements and modeling procedures to use these codes and packages are discussed.

A comparison of the three software packages suggests that GMS is superior to Visual MODFLOW and BIOPLUME III because (1) GMS does everything Visual MODFLOW and BIOPLUME III do and more, and (2) GMS is better documented and more users’ friendly. Other factors may have to be considered when selecting a software package. The license prices and training costs for GMS and Visual MODFLOW are similar and excellent technical support are provided. The software BIOPLUME III is free but no technical support and training course are provided by the software developer. All three software can be run on a Pentium PC with 32 MB RAM and SVGA monitor but only GMS has a UNIX version which can be run on a work station.

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