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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TIME BASES OF SIMULATION MODELS AND THEIR STRUCTURE 1
Author(s) -
Diskin M. H.,
Simon E.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
jawra journal of the american water resources association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.957
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1752-1688
pISSN - 1093-474X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-1688.1979.tb01183.x
Subject(s) - interval (graph theory) , base (topology) , computation , series (stratigraphy) , basis (linear algebra) , calibration , mathematics , computer science , base flow , time series , statistics , algorithm , geometry , geology , mathematical analysis , drainage basin , paleontology , cartography , combinatorics , geography
The time base of a simulation model can be defined as a combination of two time intervals. One is the interval used for input and internal computations. The second is the interval used for the output and calibration of the model. The time base of a model is related on the one hand to the type of applications for which the simulated data are used, and on the other hand to the structure and complexity of the model. The latter may be represented by the number of parameters employed to specify the operation of the model. Using data typical to relatively small watersheds in a semiarid climate, the interaction between the complexity of a series of models and the time bases used by them was studied. This included the effects of the two factors, time base and complexity, on the values of the optimal parameters, prediction of mean annual flow, and general performance of the models. The main conclusion is that if the acceptable time base is longer, the model can be less complex needing fewer parameters. There is also an advantage in using a time base comprising a shorter input time interval and a longer output time interval.