Modeling Protocol and Conceptualization
Modeling Protocol
– A protocol for modeling includes
• Code selection and verification
• Model design
• Calibration
• Sensitivity analysis, and
• Prediction
– Major steps
• Establish purpose
• Develop a conceptual model
• Select equations and codes
• Equation and code verification
• Model design
• Calibration
• Calibration sensitivity analysis
• Model verification
• Prediction
• Predictive sensitivity analysis
• Presentation of model design and results
• Post-audit
• Model redesign
Building a Conceptual Model
– A conceptual model is a pictorial representation of a biological system, e.g., a groundwater
system, to simplify the real-world problem
– The closer the conceptual model approximates the reality, the more accurate is the numerical
model
– In practice, it is desirable to strive for parsimony
Conceptualization: An Example of Groundwater Modeling
– Define the area of interest and the boundaries (use natural boundaries whenever possible)
– Define hydrostratigraphic units (use geologic information including maps and cross sections, well
logs, and borings in combination with hydrogeologic properties)
– Prepare the water budget including recharge to, and discharge from the system (note that the
flow directions are needed as well as part of model input and for model calibration)
– Define the flow system by providing detailed information about temporal and spatial
characteristics of the flow system
