Hydrologic models that simulate natural systems can help predict and manage water resources.
Hydrologic models that simulate and predict water flow are used to estimate how natural systems respond to different scenarios such as changes in climate, land use, and soil management. The output from these models can inform policy and regulatory decisions regarding water and land management practices.
Numerical models have become increasingly easy to employ with advances in computer technology and software with graphical user interface (GUI). While these technologies make the models more accessible, problems can arise if they are used by inexperienced modelers, says Juan Sebastian Acero Triana, a doctoral student in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois.
Acero Triana is lead author on a study that evaluates the accuracy of a commonly used numerical model in hydrology.
Findings from the research show that even when the model appears to be properly calibrated, its results can be difficult to interpret correctly. The study, published in the Journal of Hydrology, provides recommendations for how to fine-tune the process and obtain more precise results.
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