Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center

Illustration of the water cycle titled “The Water Cycle: Water’s Journey.” The diagram shows the sun shining over the ocean and land. Arrows label key processes: “Evaporation” rising from the ocean, “Condensation” forming clouds, “Precipitation” falling as rain over trees, “Transpiration” from the trees, “Runoff” flowing from land to the ocean, and “Infiltration” moving water into the ground. The scene includes the ocean, a beach, soil layers, and a forest.

💧The water cycle is more than just evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Add runoff, transpiration, infiltration—and that’s still not all! Hydrology gets deep—literally. #WaterCycle #Hydrology @reedh2o.bsky.social

A light blue square graphic with bold black text at the top reading ‘Fun Fact Friday with the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.’ Below, the IGWMC logo features stylized blue and black text with a wave design. A white rounded rectangle contains bold black text saying ‘DID YOU KNOW?’ followed by a fact in smaller black font ‘Deep-rooted plants, like mesquite trees, tap directly into groundwater at the water table with root systems that can reach depths of up to 70 meters! This ability allows them to survive extended dry seasons without rainfall.’

💧 #FunFactFriday 💧
Some deep-rooted plants survive dry seasons by sipping straight from the water table, even sharing water with shallow-rooted neighbors along the way! 🌱💧 Know any deep-rooted species near you? 👇 #WaterFacts #Hydrology @reedh2o.bsky.social

Graphic titled "What is an Aquifer?" with a stick figure shrugging and question marks above its head. Text explains that an aquifer is a body of rock or sediment that contains and transmits groundwater, acting as an underground reservoir. Images include a screenshot of the virtual ParFlow Sandtank and a group of teachers working with a physical aquifer model. Logo of the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center at the bottom.

What’s an aquifer? It’s layers of rock or sediment that hold and move water underground —like a hidden reservoir beneath our feet. We demo this with both a physical & virtual model for outreach events. Curious? Ask us more!
#Groundwater #Hydrology @reedh2o.bsky.social

Yousef Kassem ’27 stands at the front of a conference room presenting a slide titled “Research question” to an audience seated around a long table.

Nathan Kang ’28 points to a slide showing four colorful data plots labeled “Results” while presenting to an audience in a conference room.

We were grateful to host 2 interns this summer through HMEI’s Environmental Internship program! 🎉 They joined 100+ Princeton students last Friday to present their summer work at the Summer of Learning Symposium. Congrats to all! @reedh2o.bsky.social

A graphic with four blue boxes surrounding a central white circle that says "Let's Learn Some Hydrology Lingo." Each box contains a hydrology-related term and its definition: Top left: "Evapotranspiration – The process by which water is transferred from land to the atmosphere through evaporation, the conversion of liquid water to vapor from soil and surfaces, and transpiration, the release of water vapor from plants." Top right: "Precipitation – Water that falls from the atmosphere to earth’s surface as a liquid or solid." Bottom left: "Runoff – A portion of water from precipitation that does not infiltrate into the ground and flows over the land surface, ending up in streams, rivers, or other surface waters." Bottom right: "Hydrology – The science of water which deals with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the earth's surface and in the atmosphere." At the bottom is the logo for the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center (IGWMC).

💧 Water science has a language all its own.
Here’s a quick look at some essential hydrology terms—perfect for students, educators, and water nerds alike.
#Hydrology #WaterScience
🔁 Repost to help folks learn the lingo!
@reedh2o.bsky.social

A light blue square graphic with bold black text at the top reading ‘Fun Fact Friday with the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.’ Below, the IGWMC logo features stylized blue and black text with a wave design. A white rounded rectangle contains bold black text saying ‘DID YOU KNOW?’ followed by a fact in smaller black font ‘Over 2 billion people worldwide rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. This includes both urban and rural populations, and many major cities pump groundwater to meet public water supply needs.’

💧 #FunFactFriday 💧
Billions of people rely on groundwater every day—but most don’t even know it! 💧🌍 Do you know where your water comes from? 👇 #WaterFacts #Hydrology @reedh2o.bsky.social

Promotional graphic with a blue curved border design. Text announces that the Organizing Committee has started planning discussions for a possible MODFLOW & More Conference in 2026 and invites people to complete a short survey to help guide early conversations. A central QR code links to the survey. Below, two additional QR codes provide access to highlights from 2024 and short course information. The bottom includes the IGWMC logo and the Princeton University shield.

Discussions are beginning around a possible MODFLOW & More Conference in 2026.💧We’d love your input as we consider options. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey: igwmc.princeton.edu/modflow-2026...
Also, check out 2024 highlights + past short course info
@reedh2o.bsky.social

A group sits at a table engaged in discussion on the distribution of saltwater and freshwater on earth. On the table are tall cups of blue liquid that are meant to represent the proportion of saltwater and freshwater on earth. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

A group gathers around a table, exploring freshwater distribution with stacks of LEGO bricks. Each stack represents the proportion of freshwater in different reservoir types, sparking discussion and engagement among participants. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

Three adults engage with a physical aquifer model demonstration. One woman injects dye into the tank to simulate contamination, while the other two observe the spreading dye and groundwater flow. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

Lisa Gallagher, Education and Outreach Specialist, stands at the front of a classroom instructing a group of teachers. The participants are seated and listening attentively, with presentation materials visible in the background. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

IGWMC led a hydrology unit for QUEST teachers last week! 💧 Participants learned how Earth’s water is distributed through the #Freshwater #Saltwater Challenge, then used #aquifer models to explore groundwater flow and aquifer types. @reedh2o.bsky.social

Students participate in a water balance activity outdoors using measuring cups and clear plastic buckets. One student pours water from a labeled “atmosphere” container into a “precipitation” measuring cup held by another student, while a third student observes the process attentively. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

Students engage in a decision tree activity using a scatter ball board. One student drops a ball into the board while others look toward an instructor who is outside the frame, waiting for guidance. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

A student stands behind a table, speaking to an older man wearing a bright yellow shirt with nature-themed illustrations. The table displays the students' artwork. Other people are visible interacting in the background. PC: Lisa Gallagher/ Education and Outreach Specialist

A group of students and a volunteer pose together in front of Nassau Hall at Princeton University during their campus heat tour. The students are smiling with the historic building behind them. PC: Jasmine Pinchinat / Community Organizer

Students took on Water and Climate Week at @thewatershedinstitute —exploring #hydrology, #modeling, #ML, #coastalhydrology & #SciComm. The week ended with climate art inspired by places they love. @reedh2o.bsky.social

A graphic titled “What is a Hydrograph? Let’s talk about it!” with a diagram underneath. The diagram shows a hydrograph, a graph of time on the x-axis (in hours), precipitation in millimeters on the left y-axis, and discharge in cubic meters per second on the right y-axis. A grey bar chart represents precipitation, peaking early in the time period, labeled “Peak rainfall.” A blue line shows discharge rising after rainfall, labeled with “Rising limb,” peaking later at “Peak discharge,” and then decreasing, labeled “Falling limb.” The time between peak rainfall and peak discharge is marked as “Lag time.

Ever wondered how hydrologists observe water movement over time? A hydrograph shows streamflow changes from rain, snowmelt, and more. We use them to study floods, seasonality, and how water moves through landscapes.
#Hydrology #Groundwater #Hydrograph @reedh2o.bsky.social

Light blue and dark blue graphic promoting the IGWMC Short Courses survey. Text reads: “Help Shape Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center Short Courses. Your input will help us better understand the needs of the community.” Includes icons for a calendar, a hand holding money, and a computer screen. There is a QR code at the bottom.

We want your input! 📝 IGWMC is gathering feedback to enhance our short courses. Share your thoughts on timing, pricing, and delivery formats in this quick survey:
igwmc.princeton.edu/short-course...
Your input helps make a difference!
#groundwater @reedh2o.bsky.social

A light blue square graphic with bold black text at the top reading “Fun Fact Friday with the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.” Below, the IGWMC logo features stylized blue and black text with a wave design. A white rounded rectangle contains bold black text saying “DID YOU KNOW?” followed by a fact in smaller black font: “As groundwater moves through layers of soil and rock, these materials help filter out many impurities. That’s why groundwater often requires less treatment than surface water to become safe for drinking.”

As groundwater flows through layers of soil and rock, those materials help filter out impurities. 💧⏳ That’s why water from aquifers often needs less treatment than surface water.
What’s a cool science fact you love? Drop it below! ⬇️
#FunFactFriday #WaterScience @reedh2o.bsky.social

A group of enthusiastic students from Foundation Academies Charter School gather around a table during a hands-on science activity. One student pours blue liquid from a measuring cup into a graduated cylinder while others look on with curiosity and excitement.

A smiling student in a blue Foundation Academies Charter School fleece proudly holds up a beaded bracelet they created, displaying it toward the camera in both hands.

A student and an adult volunteer work closely together on a beading activity. The adult leans over to assist the student as they thread blue and white beads at a table covered with cups of colorful beads.

A group of students from Foundation Academies Charter School gather around an interactive groundwater model demonstration. The model shows layers of sand and soil, and an adult uses a syringe to “pump” liquid from the model, simulating water movement. The students watch attentively, engaged and curious.

We were so excited to be invited to facilitate Mole Day at Foundations Academy Charter School on June 2!
Students explored water science through aquifer models, crafting water cycle bracelets, and taking the freshwater challenge.💧
#STEM #WaterEducation #MoleDay @reedh2o.bsky.social

A light blue square graphic with bold black text at the top reading ‘Fun Fact Friday with the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.’ Below, the IGWMC logo features stylized blue and black text with a wave design. A white rounded rectangle contains bold black text saying ‘DID YOU KNOW?’ followed by a fact in smaller black font ‘Some groundwater has been underground for thousands to even millions of years! The oldest known groundwater, found in Canada, is estimated to be 2 billion years old—older than multicellular life itself.’

Groundwater has been around for millions—even billions—of years! 🤯 What’s the oldest water-related fact you know? ⬇️ #FunFactFriday #WaterScience @reedh2o.bsky.social

A congratulatory graphic featuring David van Velden, who is smiling and holding a plaque while standing next to Mario Soriano outside a building. He is wearing a Princeton jacket. The text below reads: "David graduated from Princeton’s Civil and Environmental Engineering department and will be working with Arcadis on water engineering projects in New York City. Originally from just outside Amsterdam, he joined the IGWMC through the High Meadows Environmental Institute, contributing to a joint project with Yale on groundwater vulnerability in the Appalachian region. His senior thesis used integrated hydrologic modeling to assess contamination risks from abandoned oil and gas wells, identifying nearly 400,000 people at risk." The graphic includes Princeton and IGWMC logos.

A congratulatory graphic featuring Brooke Beers, who is smiling and standing in front of a stone archway wearing a white outfit. The text below reads: "Brooke is from Winter Springs, FL, and her passion for environmental engineering grew from a deep love of the outdoors. At Princeton, she played varsity Women’s Rugby, led Outdoor Action orientation trips, and earned a certificate in Sustainable Energy. Through the IGWMC, she conducted fieldwork at Snodgrass hillslope near Crested Butte, CO, where she gathered data used in her senior thesis on predictors of plant species diversity. Brooke will be returning there this coming summer!" The graphic includes Princeton and IGWMC logos.

A congratulatory graphic featuring Ashley DeFrates, who is smiling and holding her senior thesis in front of green ivy. She is wearing a Princeton jacket. The text below reads: "Ashley, from Audubon, NJ, graduated from Princeton’s Civil and Environmental Engineering department and will begin a PhD in Earth System Science at Stanford. She worked with the IGWMC on bias-correcting meteorological inputs for ParFlow and conducted fieldwork at Snodgrass hillslope in Colorado. Her senior thesis used ParFlow to model the effects of warming on transpiration in the East-Taylor Watershed." The graphic includes Princeton and IGWMC logos.

We’re sending a big congratulations to 3 graduating undergrads from PU’s Class of 2025! 🎓These 3 have done great work with HMEI and the IGWMC.
👩‍🔬Ashley DeFrates
🌍Brooke Beers
💧 David van Velden
We can’t wait to see what’s next!
#Princeton25 #Research @acee.princeton.edu ‬ @reedh2o.bsky.social

A 2-column infographic titled "Groundwater and Wildfire: An Overlooked Connection." The left column, labeled "What we know," lists: Fuel moisture is a key component when talking about wildfire severity. Groundwater can keep vegetation moist, reducing fire risk. Soil moisture data can help predict fire danger. The right column, labeled "What needs exploring," lists: Most wildfire models ignore groundwater. Groundwater's role in fuel moisture retention is understudied. Better integration could improve fire risk forecasts. Icons include a flame, burning tree, and question marks. A small diagram at the bottom right shows arrows labeled "Hydrological influences on wildfires" pointing from groundwater upward toward burning vegetation. The caption reads: "Science is just beginning to tap into the role groundwater plays in wildfire susceptibility.”

Wildfires and groundwater are connected! 🔥💧 Groundwater keeps vegetation hydrated, reducing fire risk. After a fire, soil changes can affect recharge. Understanding this cycle could help manage fire-prone landscapes! #Wildfire #Groundwater @reedh2o.bsky.social

Promotional graphic for IGWMC’s Short Courses – Summer 2025, taking place from June 12 to June 21, 2025. The orange background features the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center (IGWMC) logo and Princeton University crest. The listed courses include: MODFLOW 6 and FloPy: Take Your Groundwater Modeling Skills to the Next Level An Introduction to Predictive Modeling Workflows with Python, pyEMU, and PEST++ Polishing Your Groundwater Modeling Skills Integrated Simulation of Watershed Systems Using ParFlow Subsetting Using HydroFrame and HydroData Contaminant Transport Interpretation of Pumping Tests Conceptual Modeling and Model Parameterization Using Texture2Par At the bottom, there are two QR codes: one labeled "More Information" and the other "To Register."

📢 Registration is now OPEN for IGWMC’s Summer 2025 Short Courses!
We’re offering hands-on sessions in groundwater modeling, hydrologic systems, and open-source tools.
Register here: princeton.irisregistration.com/Form/Short25
@reedh2o.bsky.social
#groundwater #hydrology #training

Ever wondered how groundwater moves? Our physical sandtank models show it firsthand at outreach events! 💧 Plus, the ParFlow Sandtank lets you explore these processes online—adjust flow, contamination, & more in real time! sandtank.hydroframe.org #Hydrology @reedh2o.bsky.social

A promotional flyer for the 2025 Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecture hosted at Princeton University. The lecture is titled “Porous Media Free-Flow Coupling – From REV to Pore Scale and Back” and will be given by Professor Rainer Helmig, Head of the Department of Hydromechanics and Modeling Systems at the University of Stuttgart. The lecture is scheduled for Friday, May 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in E225, EQuad. The flyer includes Professor Helmig’s portrait, an abstract of the lecture, and logos of the Princeton Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.

We're co-hosting the 2025 Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecture!
🗓 May 16 | 🕥 10:30AM
📍 E225, EQuad
Prof. Rainer Helmig (U. of Stuttgart)
“Porous Media Free-Flow Coupling – From REV to Pore Scale and Back”
#PorousMedia #Hydrology #Groundwater @reedh2o.bsky.social

An orange promotional graphic for the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center's Summer 2025 Short Courses, taking place from June 12 to June 21, 2025. The IGWMC logo and Princeton University shield appear at the top. The text lists planned course topics, including: MODFLOW 6 and FloPy: Take Your Groundwater Modeling Skills to the Next Level An Introduction to Predictive Modeling Workflows with Python, pyEMU, and PEST++ Polishing Your Groundwater Modeling Skills Integrated Simulation of Watershed Systems Using ParFlow Subsetting HydroFrame and Hydrodata Contaminant Transport Interpretation of Pumping Test Conceptual Modeling and Model Parameterization Using Texture2Par A QR code labeled "More Information" appears at the bottom, linking to course and survey details.

📣 IGWMC’s Summer 2025 short courses are in the works!
We’re offering sessions on modeling, hydrologic systems, & more. The interest form will remain open until registration is live—stay tuned. 🔗 igwmc.princeton.edu/events/short...
#groundwater #hydrology #training @reedh2o.bsky.social

The IGWMC summer short course survey deadline has been extended to Friday, May 9.

We welcome input from researchers, students, and professionals. Review the courses and submit your interest!

A light blue square graphic with bold black text at the top reading ‘Fun Fact Friday with the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center.’ Below, the IGWMC logo features stylized blue and black text with a wave design. A white rounded rectangle contains bold black text saying ‘DID YOU KNOW?’ followed by a fact in smaller black font ‘Some deep groundwater contains organic matter that can fluoresce under UV light—so if you shine a UV light on it, it can appear to glow!’

Some groundwater fluoresces under UV light thanks to a variety of organic compounds, like humic acids! 💡💧 Know a wild science fact? Drop it below! ⬇️ #FunFactFriday #WaterScience @reedh2o.bsky.social

A retro-futuristic digital graphic with a purple and blue grid background promotes the “Games for Geoscience” session at EGU25. At the top, a glowing frame reads “ITS GAME DAY!” In the center, a large bold text says “GAMES FOR GEOSCIENCE @EGU25.” Below, the session details are listed: Posters (In-Person): 14:00–15:45, Hall X2 Orals (Hybrid): 16:15–18:00, Room –2.41/42 Geoscience Games Night (In-Person): 18:00–19:30, Foyer D At the bottom, there's a QR code with the caption: “To join the fun and for more information.”

🎉 It’s game day! The Games for Geoscience session is happening today at #EGU25!
🎲 Come explore how games, gamification, and immersive technologies are transforming outreach, research & education in the geosciences.
#Games4Geo #EGU25 #SciComm #GamifyLearning @egu.eu @reedh2o.bsky.social

A retro-futuristic digital graphic with a purple and blue grid background promotes the “Games for Geoscience” session at EGU25. At the top, a glowing frame reads “GAME- BASED LEARNING IN ACTION” In the center, a large bold text says “GAMES FOR GEOSCIENCE @EGU25.” Below, the session details are listed: Posters (In-Person): Wed, 30 Apr, 14:00–15:45, Hall X2 Orals (Hybrid): Wed, 30 Apr, 16:15–18:00, Room –2.41/42 Geoscience Games Night (In-Person): Wed, 30 Apr, 18:00–19:30, Foyer D At the bottom, there's a QR code with the caption: “To join the fun and for more information.”

🕹️ Game on! From VR to board games, explore how play powers science during Games for Geoscience at #EGU25 🎲 Discover how game-based learning boosts comprehension, resilience, and engagement. #SciComm #Games4Geo #Education @egu.eu @reedh2o.bsky.social

A white graphic featuring the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center (IGWMC) logo beside the EGU General Assembly logo. Centered text reads: “Catch some of our amazing team in action at #EGU25 (All times in CEST).” Below, a list of IGWMC-affiliated EGU25 presentations is organized by date, with each entry showing the presenter’s name, the title of their talk, time, and room location. The dates range from Monday, April 28 to Friday, May 2.

🚨IGWMC at #EGU25!🚨
From deep learning to disaster recovery, we're showing work on groundwater science all week long 🌍💧
Come support our researchers & collaborators presenting throughout EGU 🧵👇
#Hydrology @egu.eu @reedh2o.bsky.social

Visual with a scenic background of a lush green mountain valley and snow-capped peaks under a blue sky. Overlaid text reads: 'Happy Arbor Day from the Integrated GroundWater Modeling Center (IGWMC)' with the IGWMC logo. Below, it explains how trees and plants contribute to the hydrological cycle through evapotranspiration, which includes evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from leaves. The text highlights how trees help move water into the atmosphere, forming clouds, regulating temperatures, and influencing precipitation. It ends by stating that planting trees supports the water cycle. Photo credit: Harry Stone, graduate student.

This Arbor Day, shout out to trees for powering the water cycle! 🌳
Through evapotranspiration, they move water from soil to sky, shaping local climate and rainfall.
Hydrology isn’t just rivers—it’s forests too! 💧☁️
#ArborDay #Hydrology #WaterCycle #Evapotranspiration @reedh2o.bsky.social

A retro-futuristic digital graphic with a purple and blue grid background promotes the “Games for Geoscience” session at EGU25. At the top, a glowing frame reads “GAMES FOR GEOSCIENCE @EGU25.” In the center, a large bold text says “SCIENCE + PLAY = IMPACT.” Below, the session details are listed: Orals (Hybrid): Wed, 30 Apr, 16:15–18:00, Room –2.41/42 Posters (In-Person): Wed, 30 Apr, 14:00–15:45, Hall X2 Geoscience Games Night (In-Person): Wed, 30 Apr, 18:00–19:30, Foyer D At the bottom, there's a QR code with the caption: “To join the fun and for more information.”

🎲 Games spark imagination and shift perspectives—perfect for science communication, teaching, and resilience-building 🌍 Join Games for Geoscience at #EGU25 to explore how play is reshaping outreach, research & education!
#Games4Geo #SciComm #Education @egu.eu

A young man in a blue t-shirt stands under a tent, gesturing as he explains a groundwater model to a group of students seated around a table. The model, a clear box filled with layers of soil and water, sits in front of him. The students, holding papers and pens, listen attentively. The outdoor setting is lush with greenery in the background.

A diverse group of students and instructors wearing matching blue t-shirts pose on the steps of a historic stone building with large wooden doors. Two bronze tiger statues flank the stairs. Some students hold notebooks and water bottles, while others rest their hands on the railing or the statues. They are smiling, and the group includes individuals of various ages.

A classroom scene where a group of students sits around a long wooden table, engaging in a lesson on machine learning. A presenter stands near a large screen displaying a slide titled "Intro to Machine Learning" with an illustration of a brain and technological icons. Shelves filled with books and scientific materials line the room, and students appear focused, with some taking notes or discussing.

Flashback to Water and Climate Academy week! 🌊 Students explored how water science connects to climate change—diving into hydrological topics—then shared insights through science communication.
@reedh2o.bsky.social #FlashbackFriday #Hydrology #MachineLearning #SciComm #ClimateChange

A group of short course participants standing and smiling outdoors on a green lawn in front of a modern building with glass and brick architecture

The IGWMC is planning in-person short courses at Princeton University June 16-20, 2025. If you're interested, view course info & fill out the interest form by Mon, 4/21: igwmc.princeton.edu/events/short...

Your input will help shape this summer's programming!

A large group of people, including families and children, gather around a table display at a science outreach event. Volunteers behind the table explain groundwater models and a density tank using hands-on demonstrations. In the distance, attendees interact with a drone on the display table.

Close-up of a drone controller screen showing a thermal image of event attendees in bright, colorful heat signatures. The controller rests on an orange table with informational flyers and a pen nearby.

Attendees of various ages listen intently to presenters explaining a physical groundwater model. The clear tank on the table shows layered sediments and flowing water, simulating underground water movement.

A group of curious children closely observe a density tank demonstration at a science event. The tank sits on an orange tablecloth. A hand in the foreground interacts with the model, while a plastic cup is nearby. The background shows a brightly lit indoor space with other attendees.

Spring Into Science 2025 was a blast! 🔬💧 Students explored aquifer models, our density tank & met Jerome the Drone 🚁. Great to see young scientists dive into water sustainability! 💙 #SpringIntoScience #Hydrology #STEM @reedh2o.bsky.social