Hydrologic Modeling for Water Resources Planning

Technology is the motor of human progress, but it moves slowly. Recent advances in hydrology may not be adopted in practice. We need to assess why and what can be done. A model is a set of equations organized for rapid computation in linked systems of spatial and linear transforms. Model assessments can help decision makers in facility, operations, and nonstructural planning; but planner response is limited by organizational structure, laws and policies, politics, and pressure groups. Thus, hydrologic modeling is an institutional process. Acceptance requires good credentials, understandability, and validity. Models are expected to convey facts, answer doubts, and be readily updated. They should free time for professional reflection. Modelers should state explicit goals to reduce model misuse and track the many interactions among large numbers of alternatives. Then institutions would accept them more readily.