11.4. Particle Tracking

The particle tracking function (see Figure 11.4) 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.

../../_images/fig-particle_tracking_dialog.png

Figure 11.4 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.

11.4.1. Advanced Options

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

../../_images/fig-advanced_options_dialog.png

Figure 11.5 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.

11.4.2. 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

11.4.3. 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