Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.5194/hess-21-3427-2017
Title (Primary) The evolution of process-based hydrologic models: historical challenges and the collective quest for physical realism
Author Clark, M.P.; Bierkens, M.F.P.; Samaniego, L. ORCID logo ; Woods, R.A.; Uijlenhoet, R.; Bennett, K.E.; Pauwels, V.R.N.; Cai, X.; Wood, A.W.; Peters-Lidard, C.D.
Source Titel Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Year 2017
Department CHS
Volume 21
Issue 7
Page From 3427
Page To 3440
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU5;
Abstract The diversity in hydrologic models has historically led to great controversy on the “correct” approach to process-based hydrologic modeling, with debates centered on the adequacy of process parameterizations, data limitations and uncertainty, and computational constraints on model analysis. In this paper we revisit key modeling challenges, outlined by Freeze and Harlan nearly 50 years ago, on requirements to (1) define suitable model equations, (2) define adequate model parameters, and (3) cope with limitations in computing power. We outline the historical modeling challenges, summarize modeling advances that address these challenges, and define outstanding research needs. We illustrate how modeling advances have been made by groups using models of different type and complexity, and we argue for the need to more effectively use our diversity of modeling approaches in order to advance our collective quest for physically realistic hydrologic models.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18310
Clark, M.P., Bierkens, M.F.P., Samaniego, L., Woods, R.A., Uijlenhoet, R., Bennett, K.E., Pauwels, V.R.N., Cai, X., Wood, A.W., Peters-Lidard, C.D. (2017):
The evolution of process-based hydrologic models: historical challenges and the collective quest for physical realism
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 21 (7), 3427 - 3440 10.5194/hess-21-3427-2017