Description
Groundwater modelling relies on specialised software like FEFLOW and MIKE SHE, each offering unique capabilities tailored to different aspects of hydrological modelling. FEFLOW, employing the Finite-Element Method, excels in groundwater-centric simulations, while MIKE SHE, utilising the Finite-Difference Method, focuses on near-surface hydrological interactions. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between these two solutions and provide guidance on when to use each based on specific modelling needs. The accompanying table offers a brief overview of typical applications, though it's important to recognise that these examples are not exhaustive.
FEFLOW is an all-in-one groundwater modelling solution designed to simulate a multitude of groundwater processes involving flow, contaminants, groundwater age and heat transport under fully or variably saturated conditions. FEFLOW is based on the Finite-Element Method. FEFLOW is the preferred modelling solution when groundwater dynamics are predominant, and although near-surface hydrological influences are relevant, they need not be modelled in intricate detail.
MIKE SHE is a fully integrated and flexible hydrological modelling platform, used to analyse the full spectrum of processes within the water cycle. This includes groundwater, surface water, recharge, evapotranspiration and water quality or a sub-set of these processes. MIKE SHE is based on the Finite-Difference Method. MIKE SHE is the recommended software for modelling tasks focused on near-surface hydrological processes, particularly dynamic interactions such as those between groundwater and rivers, as well as groundwater with evapotranspiration/recharge.
Disclaimer:
DHI does not assume responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions. The information contained in the table below is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness. This is also because it is practically impossible to list every individual modelling case. Moreover, there are many applications where both software are used complementary to each other or applications, where one software functionality can be extended via additional plug-ins and/or extensions.
Supported application | FEFLOW | MIKE SHE |
Modelling of groundwater flow under multiple configurations:
|
|
|
Delineation of groundwater capture zones:
|
|
|
Geothermal applications: shallow and deep geothermal as well as open- and closed systems. | X | |
Mine dewatering (e.g. open-cast and underground mining) and pore-pressure analysis under complex geology setups. | X | |
Density-driven flow modelling:
| X | |
Basic advection-dispersion contaminant transport:
|
|
|
Advanced contaminant transport:
|
|
|
Seepage analysis (dam, levees) | X |
|
Groundwater - Surface water interaction:
|
|
|
Hydrological water balance |
| X |
Temporal and spatial distribution of recharge:
|
|
|
Advanced demand-driven irrigation management |
| X |
Land use, incl. vegetation changes |
| X |
Groundwater flooding | X | X |
Seasonal overland flooding and drought management |
| X |
Urban drainage and sewer systems (hydrodynamically) |
| X |
Groundwater drainage | X | X |
Rainfall-runoff models at different scales |
| X |
Unsaturated zone (Richards’ Eq.):
|
|
|
Conclusion
There is obviously some overlap of capabilities and applicability between FEFLOW or MIKE SHE models. That being said, there are also major differences, which are highlighted in above table. This article is intended to help water modelers make the best choice depending on the type of application of interest. Should you require more details and further information do not hesitate to come back to us.
FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL LINKS
Manuals and User Guides
- MIKE SHE User Guide and Manual
- FEFLOW White Papers Vol. 1
- FEFLOW White Papers Vol. 2
- FEFLOW White Papers Vol. 3
- FEFLOW White Papers Vol. 4
- FEFLOW White Papers Vol. 5
- FEFLOW Introductory Tutorial
Training options
- FEFLOW - Getting started with groundwater modelling
- FEFLOW - Advanced modelling of complex geologies
- FEFLOW - Getting started with geothermal modelling: Open-Loop systems
- FEFLOW - Diving into the latest developments
- FEFLOW - Getting started with FEFLOW Python Interface
- FEFLOW - Getting started with groundwater quality modelling
- FEFLOW - Behind the flow
- FEFLOW - PySMH: Building numerical models faster than ever
- FEFLOW - Getting started with geothermal modelling: Closed-Loop systems
- FEFLOW - Getting started with model calibration and uncertainty quantification using FePEST
- MIKE SHE - Getting started with integrated hydrological modelling
- MIKE+ - Getting started with river modelling
- MIKE+ - How to model control rules in wastewater collection, urban drainage and river networks
Video tutorial
FEFLOW - Introductory Tutorial