Testing the realism of model structures to identify karst system processes using water quality and quantity signatures

摘要: [1] Many hydrological systems exhibit complex subsurface flow and storage behavior. Runoff observations often only provide insufficient information for unique process identification. Quantitative modeling of water solute fluxes presents a potentially more powerful avenue to explore whether hypotheses about system functioning can be rejected or conditionally accepted. In this study we developed tested four model structures, based on different behavior, identify the large Mediterranean karst system. Using eight signatures, i.e., indicators particular hydrodynamic hydrochemical characteristics system, applied novel evaluation strategy best conceptual representation within our set possible representations. Our approach test realism consists three stages: (1) performance with respect signatures using automatic calibration, (2) parameter identifiability Sobol's sensitivity analysis, (3) plausibility by combining results stages (2). These eliminated out structures lead hypothesis studied We used estimated values further quantify processes. The chosen is able simultaneously high performances realistic values. demonstrates benefits interpreting tracers in hydrologically meaningful way during