Hydrogeological conceptual model building and testing: A review

摘要: Abstract Hydrogeological conceptual models are collections of hypotheses describing the understanding groundwater systems and they considered one major sources uncertainty in flow transport modelling. A common method for characterizing is multi-model approach, where alternative plausible developed evaluated. This review aims to give an overview how multiple have been developed, tested used predictions approach international literature identify remaining challenges. The shows that only a few guidelines developing exist, these rarely followed. challenge generating mutually exclusive collectively exhaustive range yet be solved. Regarding model testing, reviewed studies show remains finding data both suitable discriminate between relevant objective. We argue there need systematic building all aspects conceptualization study objective covered. For each issue identified, representing should defined. Using systematic, hypothesis based increases transparency modelling workflow therefore confidence final predictions, while also anticipating surprises. While focus this on hydrogeological applications, concepts challenges concerning testing applicable spatio-temporal dynamical environmental general.