Great Artesian Basin groundwater modelling

Abstract

This paper describes the history of groundwater modelling in the Great Artesian Basin and the challenges the data pose to groundwater modellers. Whole of basin modelling commenced in the 1970s and was taken up again in the 1990s. Improvements in computing hardware and software, data quality and hydrodynamic understanding of the Basin enabled iterative improvements in the models. Some issues persist, such as data quality and a limited understanding of the hydrogeology of the Eulo-Nebine Ridge area in southern Queensland. A method of more accurately interpolating the hydraulic head where water level measurements are decades apart is presented.