Browsing by Author "Robson, Barbara J."

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    A system of metrics for the assessment and improvement of aquatic ecosystem models
    Hipsey, Matthew R.; Gal, Gideon; Arhonditsis, George B.; Carey, Cayelan C.; Elliott, J. Alex; Frassl, Marieke A.; Janse, Jan H.; de Mora, Lee; Robson, Barbara J. (2020-06)
    In this paper, we introduce the CSPS framework for the hierarchical assessment of aquatic ecosystem models built on a range of metrics and characteristic signatures relevant to aquatic ecosystem condition. The framework is comprised of four levels: 0) conceptual validation; 1) comparison of simulated state variables with observations ('state validation'); 2) comparison of fluxes with measured process rates ('process validation'); and 3) assessment of system-level emergent properties, patterns and relationships ('system validation'). Of these, only levels 0 and 1 are routinely undertaken at present. To highlight a diverse range of contexts relevant to the aquatic ecosystem modelling community, we present several case studies of improved validation approaches using the level 0-3 assessment hierarchy. We envision that the community-driven adoption of these metrics will lead to more rigorously assessed models, ultimately accelerating advances in model structure and function, and improved confidence in model predictions.