Author: Wouter Knoben, University of Saskatchewan
Title: Streamlining large-domain terrestrial system model use through model configuration workflows and targeted model evaluation
Abstract: The application of terrestrial system models covering large domains presents several challenges due to the extensive size of the modelling domain. Firstly, configuring the model can be a laborious process, which involves subjective decisions that are frequently poorly documented. Secondly, evaluating the quality of the model simulations can be complex because of the massive volume of data generated. This poster illustrates the recent advancements in addressing these challenges.
Our team introduces a method named “Community Workflows to Advance Reproducibility in Hydrologic Modeling” (CWARHM). CWARHM is a compilation of model configuration code that is explicitly designed to (1) streamline the configuration process of large-domain models while ensuring end-to-end reproducibility, and (2) divide the code into model-agnostic and model-specific components, allowing for easy reusability of substantial portions of the code. Initially created for the SUMMA model, the code base has since been expanded to incorporate the HYPE and MESH models. Furthermore, we showcase advancements made in creating a model evaluation dataset tailored for spatially-distributed, process-based hydrologic models. This dataset adheres to the principles of existing “CAMELS” datasets, but broadens its geographical coverage, resulting in a diverse range of hydroclimatic conditions to assess model performance. Moreover, it expands the scope of its applicability by including all the necessary inputs for running process-based models. Our goal for this poster is to initiate discussions on how the themes presented can be beneficial to ongoing initiatives within CIROH and beyond. We hope to spark conversations on the potential implementation of these concepts in relevant projects and stimulate further collaborations to drive progress in the field.