Simcore Processing MODFLOW (often abbreviated as PM or PMWIN) is a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) and integrated modeling system for the USGS MODFLOW family of groundwater flow and transport models. Developed by Simcore Software since 1991, it simplifies the creation, editing, calibration, simulation, and visualization of groundwater models. Version 11.0.6, released around August 2025, is the latest minor update in the v11 series, focusing on enhanced compatibility with MODFLOW-NWT options and bug fixes for model imports. It’s widely used by researchers, consulting firms, government agencies, and international organizations for tasks like aquifer analysis, contaminant transport, and water resource management.
This version builds on v11’s map-based interface, supporting online basemaps, GIS shapefiles, and multi-model overlays for contour maps, flow vectors, and pathlines. It directly imports standard MODFLOW/MT3D input files and automates input preparation to reduce errors.
Key Supported Models and Codes
Processing MODFLOW v11.0.6 includes built-in support for a wide range of USGS and related codes. Here’s a summary:
| Category | Models/Codes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Models | MODFLOW-2005, MODFLOW-NWT, GSFLOW | Simulates steady/transient groundwater flow in confined/unconfined aquifers, including stresses like wells, recharge, ET, drains, and rivers. MODFLOW-NWT uses Newton-Raphson for robust unconfined flow with drying/rewetting. GSFLOW couples groundwater-surface water interactions. |
| Transport Models | MT3DMS, MT3D-USGS, SEAWAT | Handles advection, dispersion, diffusion, and reactions for contaminants. SEAWAT supports variable-density flow for saltwater intrusion. |
| Particle Tracking | MODPATH | Semi-analytical particle tracking for pathlines in MODFLOW outputs. |
| Budget & Estimation | ZoneBudget, PEST, BeoPEST, PEST++ | Water budget calculations; parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis. BeoPEST enables parallel processing; PEST++ adds advanced stochastic tools. |
These integrations allow end-to-end workflows: from grid setup to post-simulation analysis.
What’s New in v11.0.6
This patch release (dated August 28, 2025) addresses specific enhancements and fixes from the v11 beta (e.g., v11.0.5 in March 2025). Key updates include:
- MODFLOW-NWT Compatibility: Added support for importing well package input files with the Options block keyword SPECIFY and PSIPRAMP value, improving handling of prescribed singular pressures in unconfined scenarios.
- Import Fixes: Resolved bugs in MODFLOW model import functions for smoother file loading.
- General Stability: Minor performance tweaks for large grids and multi-model sessions, building on v11’s cross-section editing and export to ESRI ASCII Raster/3D MODFLOW Array formats.
