- read through the
output file, checking that each item is what you expected when you prepared
the input, correct discrepancies and re-run
- notice where it
terminates and examine that portion of the input (if
you are unsure what should come next in the output, view a sample of a satisfactory
run from previous work, others, these notes or a MODFLOW document)
- correct flags, values, formats (need to be consistent with the type of variable e.g. real/integer), add missing items, etc
- sometimes
you need to keep returning to the file and the input directions and keep
asking "What have I done incorrectly?", changing
something, re-running, viewing the output, again and again because the
problem may not be obvious from viewing the output.
- sometimes the directory names between the batch file, the software, and the input files are long and their shortened versions cannot be uniquely differentiated, so you need to shorten the directory names.
- sometimes you save an input file with a "txt" extension and MODFLOW looks for exss.bas rather than exss.bas.txt, you can rename the file or prevent your editor from using such an extension (in textpad you can go to Configure>Preferences and select "File" and make the field for the default extension blank)
- sometimes you have tabs instead of spaces in your input file, set your editor to reveal codes such as tabs and if you find tabs in your input files, change them to spaces. (in Textpad, there is a paragraph symbol
on the tool bar that will reveal codes for you)
- sometimes you need to add a carriage return to the end of a data file
- sometimes the directory names between the batch file, the software, and the input files are long and their shortened versions cannot be uniquely differentiated, so you need to shorten the directory names.
- the problem is often related to unit numbers and file name coordination between the name file and the input within the input files for each module OR an improper path specified for a file
- correct flags, values, formats (need to be consistent with the type of variable e.g. real/integer), add missing items, etc
How is the mass balance?
Do the results make sense?
Ask what is wrong with this simulation and how can I improve it? Then you can be pleasantly surprised when you are satisfied with the result, but you won't overlook small problems because you will start from the perspective that looking for problems is your mission.