| Volumes and Issues Contents of Issue 6 Special Issue |
www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/5/3157/2008/
doi:10.5194/hessd-5-3157-2008
© Author(s) 2008. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
HESS Opinions "The art of hydrology"*
Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
Unesco-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands
*Invited contribution by H. H. G. Savenije, the EGU Henry Darcy Medallist 2008 for outstanding contributions to Hydrology and Water Resources Management.
Abstract. Hydrological modelling is the same as developing and encoding a hydrological theory. A hydrological model is not a tool but a theory. The whole discussion about the inadequacy of hydrological models we have witnessed of late, is related to the wrong concept of what a model is. Good models don't exist. Instead, hydrological research should focus on improving models and enhancing understanding. The process of modelling should be top-down, learning from the data. There is always a need for calibration, which implies that we need tailor-made and site-specific models. Only flexible models are fit for this modelling process, as opposed to most of the "established" models, "one-size-fits-all" models or "models of everywhere". The process of modelling requires imagination, inspiration, creativity, ingenuity, experience and skill. These are qualities that belong to the field of art. Hydrology is an art as much as it is science and engineering.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 351 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 18 Comments) Final Revised Paper (HESS)
Citation: Savenije, H. H. G.: HESS Opinions "The art of hydrology"*, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., 5, 3157-3167, doi:10.5194/hessd-5-3157-2008, 2008. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
