On the testing of fully integrated surface–subsurface hydrological models

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.9630
• Publication Date: 2012-11-01T02:56:16Z
• Authors: Megan L. Sebben; Adrian D. Werner; Jessica E. Liggett; Daniel Partington; Craig T. Simmons
• Keywords: Benchmark (surveying); Catchment hydrology; Outflow; Hydrological modelling

Abstract Studies employing integrated surface–subsurface hydrological models (ISSHMs) have utilized a variety of test cases to demonstrate model accuracy and consistency between codes. Here, we review the current state ISSHM testing evaluate most popular by comparing hydrodynamic processes simulated in each case found well‐characterized, real‐world catchments their general attributes those successful benchmark problems from other fields hydrogeology. The reveals that (1) intercode comparison not adopted specific consistently; (2) despite wide range metrics available for testing, only two performance diagnostics are typically adopted: catchment outflow hydrograph water balance; (3) comparisons, is usually judged evaluating one diagnostic: hydrograph; (4) small number largely uniform across domain, representing limited selection interest catchments. would benefit more comparisons using consistent set cases, aimed at (e.g. flooding) wider simulation pressure head distributions). To achieve this, suite variations required capture relevant processes. Finally, there need additional compare predictions with observations intensively monitored field sites controlled laboratory experiments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.