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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #300227
Title: Hydrologic and water quality terminology as applied to modeling

Author
item ZECKOSKI, REBECCA - Zeckoski Engineering
item SMOLEN, MICHAEL - Oklahoma State University
item Moriasi, Daniel
item FRANKENBERGER, JANE - Purdue University
item Feyereisen, Gary

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASABE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/14/2014
Publication Date: 7/29/2015
Citation: Zeckoski, R.W., Smolen, M., Moriasi, D.N., Frankenberger, J., Feyereisen, G.W. 2015. Hydrologic and water quality terminology as applied to modeling. Transactions of the ASABE. 58(6):1619-1635. doi: 10.13031/trans.58.10713.

Interpretive Summary: Computer simulation models are being used to predict water quality impacts of land use and management as well as climate variability. Their use as a policy tool is increasing. Thus, it is important to develop consistent terminology with regards to the application and use of hydrologic and water quality simulation models. This paper defines terms, both rudimentary and advanced, used in hydrologic and water quality simulation modeling. The paper also discusses terms with ambiguous or conflicting meanings and recommends standardized definitions for consistency and clearer communication. The findings will improve the transfer of information and ideas among hydrologic and water quality simulation model developers and users.

Technical Abstract: A survey of literature and examination in particular of terminology use in a previous special collection of modeling calibration and validation papers has been conducted to arrive at a list of consistent terminology recommended for writing about hydrologic and water quality model calibration and validation. The terminology list includes rudimentary terms necessary for proper understanding of modeling literature for the novice modeler. This paper also provides discussions regarding confusing or conflicting terminology found in the literature, alternative terms to those recommended herein, and alternative definitions for those terms that may be used by some authors.