Systematic visual analysis of groundwater hydrographs: potential benefits and challenges

• DOI: 10.1007/s10040-021-02433-w
• Publication Date: 2022-01-11T08:02:30Z
• Authors: Roland Barthel; Ezra Haaf; Michelle Nygren; Markus Giese
• Keywords: Similarity (geometry)

Abstract Visual analysis of time series in hydrology is frequently seen as a crucial step to becoming acquainted with the nature data, well detecting unexpected errors, biases, etc. Human eyes, particular those trained expert, are suited recognize irregularities and distinct patterns. However, there limits what eye can resolve process; moreover, visual by definition subjective has low reproducibility. inspection mentioned publications, but rarely described detail, even though it may have significantly affected decisions made process performing underlying study. This paper presents groundwater hydrographs that been performed relation attempts classify part developing new concept for prediction data-scarce systems. Within this concept, determining similarity essential. As standard approaches do not yet exist, different were developed tested. provided opportunity carry out comparison between formal, automated classification approaches. The presented was carried on two sets from central Europe Fennoscandia. It explained why where be beneficial also limitations challenges associated approach lie. concluded systematic hydrology, despite its subjectivity reproducibility, should receive much more attention.