A MODFLOW-NWT (version 1.0.9) model of a hypothetical stream-aquifer system is presented for the evaluation and characterization of capture map bias. The hypothetical model is a single-layer model with 30 rows and 100 columns. The hypothetical model is used to develop methods to create capture difference maps and to calculate and characterize capture map bias with sensitivity analyses.
The hypothetical stream-aquifer system generally represents the arid western U.S.; however, the methods developed with this model can be applied to any model used to generate capture maps, regardless of location. The model simulates a hypothetical 200-year transient stress period after a steady-state stress period. This time period loosely represents 1960 – 2160; however, actual time is not represented. The MODFLOW model includes a stream (represented with the MODFLOW SFR or CHD Packages), mountain block recharge (represented with the MODFLOW RCH Package), and evapotranspiration (represented with the MODFLOW EVT Package). This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated journal article (https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12597).