Projects

Research projects are organized by the groundwater decision they make testable.

A project is evaluated by whether it explains a measured response, states the boundary of its analytical model, and shows whether the interpretation changes a pumping, recovery, thermal, or uncertainty decision.

01
lagging theory

Lagging Theory and Flux-Gradient Asynchrony

When drawdown, recovery, or hydraulic gradients evolve out of phase.

Problem
Classical aquifer-test interpretation often assumes the flux-gradient relation is instantaneous at the scale of analysis.
Method
Develop lag-aware analytical models and compare them with classical well-hydraulic interpretations.
Output
Criteria for deciding when a lag-aware analytical model should be tested before parameter transfer.
Ying-Fan LinBarret L. Kurylykstudent project lines
Concept Decision demo
02
transformation uncertainty

Transformation Uncertainty in Aquifer-Test Interpretation

Drawdown is observed; hydraulic parameters are estimated with an interpretation model.

Problem
Different analytical models can translate the same field response into different hydraulic parameters and decision limits.
Method
Assess model-form uncertainty, compare parameter transformations, and propagate differences to engineering decision variables.
Output
Model-conditioned uncertainty ranges for pumping limits, recovery time, thermal margins, and risk buffers.
Ying-Fan Lin
Concept Open tools
03
groundwater memory

Groundwater Memory and Delayed Response

Past forcing can remain visible in present hydraulic signals.

Problem
Pumping, recharge, boundary movement, and aquitard exchange can leave timing structure that is lost in static parameter summaries.
Method
Use response timing, recovery behavior, and analytical-model residuals to separate measured records from interpreted parameters.
Output
A practical basis for examining memory effects before they enter model error without being identified.
Ying-Fan Linstudent exploratory projects
Concept
04
thermal response energy

Groundwater-Informed Thermal Response and Subsurface Energy

Thermal response tests require groundwater context before scale-up.

Problem
TRT interpretation, shallow geothermal design, and underground thermal batteries can be distorted by groundwater movement and lithologic uncertainty.
Method
Connect analytical heat transport, TRT interpretation, groundwater flux, and transformation uncertainty.
Output
Decision-ready checks for thermal conductivity, recovery time, and scale-up risk in groundwater-influenced settings.
Hsiang-Wen WangYing-Fan Linexternal collaborators
Concept Collaborate
05
open tools

Open Tools and Decision Lab

Public tools for examining assumptions before confidential analysis begins.

Problem
Collaborators often need to see why an interpretation choice matters before sharing full project data.
Method
Publish bounded teaching demonstrations, model-assumption checks, and documentation that states each tool's scope.
Output
A safer entry point for technical briefs, student training, and research collaboration.
Ying-Fan Linstudent training line
Tools Decision Lab