Hydrologic modelling and dominant processes concept

Abstract

Overparameterization has been a common but unresolved problem in hydrologic modelling. The dominant processes concept (DPC) has recently been proposed to overcome model overparameterization. While the potential for applying the DPC in hydrologic modelling is apparent, fundamental questions still remain as to how to incorporate and integrate the concept in modelling practice. This paper proposes a simple approach towards advancing research in this direction. It is argued that learning the significance of dominant processes is helpful not only for rationally and effectively representing hydrologic systems but also for improving our understanding of model performance.