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Ground‐Water Computer Models — Intellectual Toys a
Author(s) -
Baski Henry A.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1979.tb03298.x
Subject(s) - process (computing) , computer science , extrapolation , groundwater , work (physics) , projection (relational algebra) , computer program , aquifer , engineering , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , algorithm , mathematics , mathematical analysis , operating system
Ground‐water computer models are, certainly, toys which provide intellectual stimulation. They can be useful tools for advancement of the ground‐water profession, but I believe that they have been blown out of proportion and that this might cause irreparable damage to our profession. It is important to see where computer models fit into the ground‐water problem‐solving process. I believe that ground‐water computer programs are simply a complicated “turn the crank” tool for making projections. They're one type of tool out of several which requires aquifer and confining bed characteristics to facilitate making projections. A second approach for making projections involves the direct extrapolation or manipulation of data which does not require transmissivity, storage coefficient, leakance, and other interpreted characteristics. Further, I believe that the collection and evaluation of data are of greater importance than the projection methods and/or tools in arriving at answers. Advantages of ground‐water computer models include: speedy analyses once a program is working, ability to handle many parameters, and utilization of a large data base. The disadvantages include: use of computer models as end goals, tendency for misapplications, time‐consuming setup, a waste of time and money in some cases, and diversion of human talent from useful ground‐water work.