An analysis of the choice and application of two solute transport models in the upper Santa Cruz basin

• Main Author: Weaver, Jeffrey Dale,1961-
• Other Authors: Davis, Donald R.
• Language: en
• Published: The University of Arizona. 1989
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/192013

This study presents an evaluation of the choice and application of the Discrete State Compartment (DSC) and Method of Characteristics (MOC) solute transport models as used in the upper Santa Cruz basin. The models predicted different rates of contaminant plume movement using similar land and water use scenarios. The evaluation is based on a review of model specification, model capabilities, and model assumptions. It is shown that the MOC model provided a more realistic view of the system's response to predicted stresses than did the DSC model. The case study also shows that the traditionally narrow focus used to evaluate model outputs in the decision making process can lead to misapplication of model results, and that a broader framework that includes important model assumptions should be used.