Particle Tracking

The particle tracking function (see fig-particle-tracking-dialog) in MINEDW investigates potential capture zones for pumping wells or general groundwater movement in the system. Particle tracks are calculated after completing a model run using data stored in the .PLB file. Information required for particle tracking simulations is described below.

Figure 1: The “Particle Tracking” dialog box in MINEDW

Start/End Time:

Start or end date for particle tracking. For “Forward” tracking, this is the start time; for “Backward” tracking, the end time.

Tracking Time (days):

Duration of particle tracking.

Step Size (m):

Distance particles traverse per step.

Tracking Direction:

Forward or backward (reverse time) tracking.

Add:

Creates entry for particle XYZ coordinates.

Delete:

Removes selected particle entry.

Import:

Loads existing particle-tracking file.

Export:

Saves current particle-tracking configuration.

OK:

Calculates tracks and closes dialog.

Cancel:

Closes dialog without calculating.

Results Output:

Output file location and name.

X, Y, Z:

Particle starting or ending coordinates.

Advanced:

Opens the “Advanced Options” dialog box.

Advanced Options

The Advanced Options dialog provides additional control over particle tracking interpolation methods.

Figure 2: The “Advanced Options” dialog box

Variogram Model:

Selects “Exponential,” “Spherical,” or “Gaussian” variograms for head data interpolation from triangular to rectangular mesh.

Variogram Range:

Range for the chosen variogram.

Number of Neighbors:

Points used in interpolation.

OK:

Saves changes and closes dialog.

Cancel:

Discards changes and closes dialog.

Using Particle Tracking

1. Import the .PLB file using “Read Results…” under the “Results” menu

2. Open the “Particle Tracking” dialog box (Results → Particle Tracking…)

3. Configure tracking parameters:

   • Set “Start/End Time” for particle tracking

   • Enter tracking duration in “Tracking Time (days)”

   • Set the “Step Size (m)”

   • Choose “Forward” or “Backward” for tracking direction

4. Add particles by clicking “Add” and entering x, y, and z coordinates

5. Click the button next to “Result Output” to specify the save location and filename

6. Click “Save”, then “OK” to create the particle-tracking file

Visualizing Particle Tracks

1. Navigate to “Post Processing” plot items on the “List” tab

2. Add a “Particle Tracking” plot item

3. Click the icon next to “File” on the “Attribute” tab

4. Select your saved particle-tracking file and click “Open”

5. Customize particle tracks using interface options as needed