Achiever of the Month -  September 2010

Bryce Kelly  - Groundwater modelling

This month’s featured achiever is Bryce Kelly from the University of NSW Connected Waters Team. Bryce has developed a new approach for constructing 3D conceptual hydrogeological models of catchments and in Maules Creek has demonstrated the value of 3D geological modelling for improving coupled surface and ground water management.

Bryce has developed a series of Mathematica applications that improve the visualisation and interpretation of catchment water data, advancing the way we spatially analyse standing water level information and driller logs. Crystallize is a set of Mathematica notebooks which capture all the details about the methodologies used by the project team and form a guide for Catchment Management Authorities and state water departments.

This project has considerably advanced our conceptualisation of river and aquifer connectivity in the Maules Creek region which can be applied to catchments of any size. Bryce has been given this award for his enthusiastic approach to extending this work to growers, and the industry as a whole, as well as state government decision makers on top of his advances in the technology. Bryce’s presentations of his research at cotton industry forums, trade shows and at community meetings have all been well received, often giving irrigators a new understanding of surface water and groundwater processes.

More on Bryce's Projects