The Foldable Aquifer Project was developed in the Department of Geology at the University at Buffalo.
The objectives of the foldable aquifer project are to provide three-dimensional paper models that allow users to visualize subsurface geologic structure and quantify fluid flow through porous media. These foldable paper models are meant to lower the barrier of entry for users to physically visualize the relationships between water levels and geologic lithology. Using these models, users are able to cut out, fold, and visualize three-dimensional problems. These paper models allow the user to physically rotate their aquifers in order to clearly visualize cross sectional areas, aquifer thicknesses, confining units, hydraulic gradients between wells and heterogeneity. While these same features can be visualized with computer software, we believe there are increased opportunities for user engagement by physically building and manipulating these simple models.