Accurate definition of initial hydrologic conditions is an essential part of conceptualizing and modeling transient groundwater flow, because results of a simulation may be heavily dependent upon the initial conditions.

1.1 This guide covers techniques and procedures used in defining initial conditions for modeling saturated groundwater flow. The specification of initial conditions is an essential part of conceptualizing and modeling groundwater systems.

1.2 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.