Development of a groundwater model for some small sub-catchments of the Dender Basin

To characterise the ecological condition of valleys hydrological variables such as groundwater level, fluctuation, discharge zones, etc. are required. In this study a groundwater modelling approach is used for the estimation of these variables. Within the framework of the action plan "Development of ecosystem approaches for different valleys in Flanders" a MODFLOW groundwater model was developed, for three sub-catchments of the Dender River. GIS was used to prepare the input, to analyse the output and to present the results of the groundwater modelling. The results of the groundwater model, a set of hydrological variables, was used to analyse the relationship between vegetation and groundwater. Both the present groundwater system as well as a future optimal situation were simulated. The model and its analyses serve, within this ecosystem approach, as a basis for the formulation of policy measures for nature conservation and (potential) nature management in the area.