Mathematical models are employed to assess both the consistency of the spatial geological (conceptual) model and the temporal variability of the system’s response (inverse modelling), as well as to predict the system’s response to changes in internal and external boundary conditions (forward modelling).
Forecasting the behaviour of a geosystem (e.g. aquifer or reservoir) is an integral part of resource management for its sustainable use and for assessing potential risks (e.g. contamination or geomechanical risks).

The application of models in parameter studies enables the evaluation of the relative importance of individual model components or parameters for the system response - for example, the deformation of a storage formation as a result of a fluid injection operation.

The research group within the Dynamic Modelling division focuses on:

• The use of different numerical models to understand and quantify processes at the pore scale — from simple flow processes to complex coupled hydrogeomechanical processes and multiphase flow;

• Continuum models applied to the management of geosystems at the regional scale (e.g. catchments or reservoirs);

• The use of existing commercial modelling codes (e.g. COMSOL, HydroGeoSphere); LIAG is also a partner in code development teams (e.g. DuMuX).

Although the research group is still in the development phase, it has already delivered initial results.