Abstract The British Geological Survey (BGS) is developing integrated environmental models to address the grand challenges that face society. Here we describe the BGS vision for an Environmental Modelling Platform (BGS 2009) that will allow integrated models to be built, and describe case studies of emerging models in the United Kingdom. This Environmental Modelling Platform will be founded on the data and information that the BGS holds. This will have to be made as accessible and interoperable as possible to both the academic and stakeholder decision-making community. The geological models that have been built in an ad hoc way over the last 5–10 years will be encompassed in a National Geological Model that will be multi-scaled, beginning with onshore UK and eventually including the offshore continental shelf. The future will be characterized by the routine delivery of 3D model products from a multi-scaled and scalable 3D geological model of the UK that can be dynamically updated. The deployment of this model will generate further significant requirements across the Information and Knowledge Exchange spectrum, from applications development (database, GIS, web and mobile device), data management, information product development, to delivery to a growing number of publics and stakeholders.

Abstract Ghana, located on the west coast of Africa, has been a focal point of hydrocarbon exploration since 1896. To date, 57 wells have been drilled: 36 offshore and 21 onshore. Onshore exploration efforts are concentrated in three sedimentary basins: the Tano, Keta and Voltaian basins; but their oil and gas potentials have not yet been fully evaluated. Offshore exploration is progressing on the Ghanaian continental shelf. The most promising offshore area is at the Ghanaian end of the Tano basin, adjoining the Ivory Coast.

Abstract Integrated environmental modelling (IEM) is a recent phenomenon that offers the opportunity to solve complex environmental problems. Whilst it has made great strides in recent years, there are still challenges to be met before IEM is universally accepted and used. This paper describes the current state of IEM and sets out a roadmap for achieving its full potential. A multidisciplinary, multi-agency approach will be required, the main goals of which are to: (1) raise awareness and build confidence in IEM; (2) ensure availability and accessibility of IEM techniques, tools and standards; (3) establish a minimum set of standards; (4) build the IEM skills base; (5) establish an underpinning research and development (R&D) programme; (6) co-ordinate and promote collaboration; and (7) foster IEM use by government, industry and the public. Once these goals have been achieved, then IEM can be deployed to help resolve currently intractable environmental issues, and the IEM methodology can be transferred to other fields.

Abstract The increasing complexity of numerical modelling systems in environmental sciences has led to the development of different supporting architectures. Integrated environmental modelling can be undertaken by building a ‘super model’ simulating many processes or by using a generic coupling framework to dynamically link distinct separate models during run-time. The application of systemic knowledge management to integrated environmental modelling indicates that we are at the onset of the norming stage, where gains will be made from consolidation in the range of standards and approaches that have proliferated in recent years. Consolidation is proposed in six topics: metadata for data and models; supporting information; Software-as-a-service; linking (or interface) technologies; diagnostic or reasoning tools; and the portrayal and understanding of integrated modelling. Consolidation in these topics will develop model fusion: the ability to link models, with easy access to information about the models, interface standards such as OpenMI and software tools to make integration easier. For this to happen, an open software architecture will be crucial, the use of open source software is likely to increase and a community must develop that values openness and the sharing of models and data as much as its publications and citation records.

Abstract This paper explains the background and development of the Environment Agency National Groundwater Modelling System (NGMS) to integrate recharge functionality with the existing groundwater modelling (Modflow functionality). The Environment Agency groundwater models were originally developed primarily as a tool for making high-level strategic decisions but their use for short-term extreme event scenarios, such as drought or flood, has been relatively limited. This functionality has been constrained by the format of the rainfall/recharge input datasets. Undertaking scenario runs based on change in climate and weather has only been possible by direct manual alteration of those input datasets, which is not always practical on a day-to-day basis. Full implementation of recharge models into NGMS changes this, allowing the recharge models to be run in the NGMS environment and output to be generated. The fusion aspect of the process involves that output being processed in such a way that it can be used by NGMS as input into a Modflow scenario run. This process is explained using the example of a recent drought scenario in the Wessex Basin groundwater model.

Abstract Data integration between different software is routinely needed in order to create suitable data formats or necessary data manipulation prior to importing the data. The procedures and workflows are not usually published. This paper presents the data integration between GSI3D (Geological Surveying and Investigation in 3 Dimensions) and groundwater flow modelling software GMS version 7.0 (Groundwater Modelling Systems) and FeFlow®. Geological models for two sites in Finland, an esker aquifer at Patamäki and a mine site in Luikonlahti, were constructed using dedicated 3D geological modelling software GSI3D. The data from the GSI3D model in Patamäki was exported as ASCII grid files directly to GMS in order to delineate hydrogeological features prior to groundwater flow modelling. The data from the GSI3D model in Luikonlahti was first manipulated in ArcGIS to make it amenable in FeFlow®. In both modelling locations, the detailed geological modelling greatly helped to discern different hydraulic conductivity zones that are based on different geological materials. This, in addition, eases the development of conceptual groundwater flow models, the model calibration process and potentially improves the simulation results.