Template for Conceptual Model Construction: Model Review and Corps Applications

Abstract : This technical note reports on a review of conceptual model construction and use, and identifies how conceptual model use can be facilitated to better serve the Corps of Engineers (CE). Previously, Henderson and O'Neil (2004) described a six-step process for conceptual model development and discussed uses and applications of conceptual models in CE Planning and Operations activities. Observations that many Corps conceptual model applications had similar objectives and involved similar resources and disciplines led to a proposal for a template for conceptual model construction. The template will expedite conceptual model construction by providing users with model parameters and potential model components, building on a study team's knowledge and experience, and promoting thought and discussion on how this system works. The template will be developed from work on previous models and documentation on the resources, objectives, and impacts encountered in system wide studies. As a preliminary step for a conceptual model template, conceptual models and current Corps applications were reviewed and categorized. The findings of those reviews are presented here and are used to identify initial descriptor categories for the template. The response to water resources problems flooding, water supply, pollution has historically been with site-specific solutions in the form of structures, water system development, pollutant loading or water quality standards for river or stream reaches. The current scientific, technical, and political approach for water resources management requires a broader approach rather than the site-specific approach. Problems may be manifested at a particular location, but the source of the problem may be at numerous sites in upper or lower watershed locations, or be diffusely distributed over a wide area, only concentrating in the problem site location.