Matching Model Complexity with Project Requirements and Data Availability
Abstract
Within the realm of hydrologic modeling there are often multiple modeling tools with varying complexity that are possibly suitable for analysis of the same applications. Matching the modeling tool with accompanying complexity for any given project can be a daunting and confusing task. Based on extensive research and application of hydrologic modeling tools to practical engineering problems, there are three basic considerations for determining model complexity. First and foremost is the type of observation required for analysis. Second is the accuracy of required observation. And third is the availability of data to drive the potential model. These three criteria are intricately related. Although there may be some required, or really desired, accuracy of model results, to some extent, the availability of data, and thus model complexity, drives the achievable modeling accuracy, or more appropriate, certainty of results. So there is feedback between data availability, appropriate complexity, and accuracy of results. In this discussion I’ll illustrate the application of various modeling tools of varying complexity for a variety of hydrologic modeling purposes. These applications include modeling of surface water runoff, soil moisture profiles, and groundwater/surface water interaction. The application and results of modeling help to illustrate the interplay between project needs, available data, and appropriate complexity of modeling tools.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.H23L..03D
- Keywords:
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- 1847 HYDROLOGY / Modeling;
- 1873 HYDROLOGY / Uncertainty assessment