Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The Material and Methods Section
Here a description is expected as to how and where the data were acquired and a
detailed documentation of model design and processes should be given. This can be
done either through an extensive model description (underlying assumptions,
equations, relations, semantic structures) or through the quotation of a technical
paper published (or available) elsewhere. If applicable, an explanation of the
acquisition of the database used for model calibration and validation should be
provided. The description should mention also the technical means, the specifica-
tion of the hardware and software that was used.
Model Description Section
If a model is not only applied but scientifically described for the first time, the
material and methods section can be shorter and a separate section for the model
description should be inserted. The equations or the formal specifications have to be
described in a way that (in an ideal case) the reader can re-programme the model on
the basis of the description. Thus model documentation should contain relevant
parts of the model and the performed simulations. Eventually these are:
l
The used software versions, programming language,
libraries, compiler,
operating system and hardware requirements.
l
A detailed model description comprising:
1. An overview on the model structure with sub-modules (if applicable). A
structural diagram and flow charts (see Sect. 2.1), eventually with sub-
diagrams which illustrate crucial details.
2. Information on the mathematical equations and applied rules systems; this
should also include the integration methods (in case of differential equations)
or scheduling information (for discrete models).
l
Parameters for the basic simulations. Eventually a distinction of parameters into
those referring directly to model processes and those constituting external or
environmental influences should be pursued. This part should also contain a
justification of parameters and relation to empirical studies and knowledge.
l
Initial conditions for standard simulations.
l
Results from sensitivity analysis and validation procedures.
l
Initial conditions and parameters for further calculations and definition of
scenario configurations.
Due to the wide range of different model types and intentions it is unreasonable
to always follow the same standardized scheme of model documentation, as it needs
to be meaningfully adjusted to specific needs. In some cases standardization (e.g.
Grimm et al. 2006; Schmolke et al. 2010) can provide an orientation as to which
parts should be included in a comprehensive model description. We regard it as
sufficient
to fulfil
the overall requirement of reproducibility and established
