Print Email Facebook Twitter A constraint-based search algorithm for parameter identification of environmental models Title A constraint-based search algorithm for parameter identification of environmental models Author Gharari, S. Shafiei, M. Hrachowitz, M. Kumar, R. Fenicia, F. Gupta, H.V. Savenije, H.H.G. Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences Department Water Management Date 2014-12-05 Abstract Many environmental systems models, such as conceptual rainfall-runoff models, rely on model calibration for parameter identification. For this, an observed output time series (such as runoff) is needed, but frequently not available (e.g., when making predictions in ungauged basins). In this study, we provide an alternative approach for parameter identification using constraints based on two types of restrictions derived from prior (or expert) knowledge. The first, called parameter constraints, restricts the solution space based on realistic relationships that must hold between the different model parameters while the second, called process constraints requires that additional realism relationships between the fluxes and state variables must be satisfied. Specifically, we propose a search algorithm for finding parameter sets that simultaneously satisfy such constraints, based on stepwise sampling of the parameter space. Such parameter sets have the desirable property of being consistent with the modeler's intuition of how the catchment functions, and can (if necessary) serve as prior information for further investigations by reducing the prior uncertainties associated with both calibration and prediction. Subject OA-Fund TU Delft To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e2f7cef8-b044-4b9e-91c9-d15565f3dd55 DOI https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4861-2014 Publisher European Geosciences Union ISSN 1027-5606 Source http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/18/4861/2014/ Source Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 18 (12), 2014 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2014 The Author(s)CC Attribution 3.0 License Files PDF Gharari_2014.pdf 2.94 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:e2f7cef8-b044-4b9e-91c9-d15565f3dd55/datastream/OBJ/view