Pure Diffusion Comparison
Uses identical 4 m diffusion-only models to verify close agreement when lateral spreading does not affect the solution.
Open documented comparisonFive Matched Comparison Cases
See When POLLUTEv10 and MIGRATEv10 Agree—and Why They Differ
Begin with matched diffusion and advection cases, then examine finite sources, hydraulic trapping and fractured media with sorption.
Each comparison uses equivalent physical conditions to separate transport behavior from the effect of dimensionality: POLLUTE’s 1D/1.5D formulation and MIGRATE’s explicit 2D representation.
5 ComparisonsMatched model conditions
1D/1.5D vs 2DDimensional effects isolated
Transport ProgressionDiffusion through fractures
Selection GuidanceScreening or spatial detail
Comparison Library
Progress from Agreement to Spatial Complexity
Start with pure diffusion to verify the common physics, then add flow, source depletion, opposing gradients and fractured transport.
Showing 5 comparisons
Advective–Diffusive Transport Comparison
Adds downward velocity and aquifer outflow, producing rapid breakthrough and closely matching centerline profiles.
Open documented comparison
Finite Mass Source Comparison
Compares peak timing and magnitude as a limited source depletes and MIGRATE distributes mass laterally.
Open documented comparison
Hydraulic Trap with a Finite Mass Source
Examines upward flow opposing downward migration and changing the breakthrough response in both formulations.
Open documented comparison
Fractured Layer with Sorption
Combines fracture flow, matrix diffusion and sorption to show agreement in upper layers and spatial variability at depth.
Open documented comparisonInstructional examples are not design standards. Adapt the conceptual model and parameters to site-specific conditions and have the resulting engineering interpretation reviewed by a qualified professional.
Suggested Comparison Path
Separate Common Physics from Dimensional Effects
1
Verify Diffusion
Use Pure Diffusion to confirm that the matched models produce nearly identical profiles under simple conditions.
2
Add Groundwater Flow
Use Advective–Diffusive Transport to compare rapid breakthrough and centerline agreement.
3
Change Source Behavior
Compare Finite Mass and Hydraulic Trap cases to examine peaks, depletion and opposing flow.
4
Resolve Spatial Complexity
Use the Fractured Layer case to see how MIGRATE reveals lateral variability hidden by a 1D average.
Interpreting Differences
A Different Result Does Not Automatically Mean a Wrong Result
- Confirm both models use equivalent geometry, properties, sources and boundaries
- Compare the same time, depth and centerline or averaging location
- Expect close agreement where lateral spreading is not influential
- Expect different peak magnitudes when MIGRATE distributes mass laterally
- Use mass behavior and spatial profiles to explain—not hide—the difference
- Select the simplest formulation that remains defensible for the decision
Practical Product Selection
- Use POLLUTE for efficient layered screening.
- Use POLLUTE for conservative 1D/1.5D estimates.
- Use MIGRATE when source width and position matter.
- Use MIGRATE for multiple interacting sources.
- Use MIGRATE to inspect lateral plume structure.
- Document why the selected dimension fits the question.
Continue Learning
Connect the Comparisons to Each Product
POLLUTEv10 Core Features
Review the layered 1D/1.5D formulation, sources, boundaries and engineering outputs.
Explore POLLUTE FeaturesMIGRATEv10 Core Features
Review two-dimensional geometry, multiple sources, fractured media and spatial results.
Explore MIGRATE FeaturesComplete Comparison Archive
Open the original articles with detailed parameters, tables, plots and interpretation.
Open the archivePOLLUTEv10 Examples
Explore 20 progressive layered contaminant-transport examples.
Browse POLLUTE ExamplesMIGRATEv10 Examples
Explore 13 progressive two-dimensional contaminant-transport examples.
Browse MIGRATE ExamplesTechnical Support
Ask about formulation selection, model configuration or product evaluation.
Contact Technical SupportReady to Compare the Models?
Reproduce a matched case, verify the common physics and then decide whether the project requires conservative layered screening or explicit spatial behavior.
