Australian groundwater modelling guidelines / Австралийские рекомендации по моделированию грунтовых вод

The objective of the Australian groundwater modelling guidelines is to promote a consistent and sound approach to the development of groundwater flow and solute transport models in Australia. It builds on existing guidelines (Murray–Darling Basin Commission 2001) that have been adopted throughout Australia in recent years. While it is acknowledged that the term groundwater modelling refers to a variety of methods, the guidelines focus on computer-based numerical simulation models. The guidelines should be seen as a point of reference and not as a rigid standard. They seek to provide direction on the scope and approaches common to modelling projects. The continual evolution of modelling techniques through adaptation and innovation is not only acknowledged, but encouraged. It is recognised there are other approaches to modelling not covered in these guidelines and that such approaches may well be appropriate and justified in certain circumstances. 
The guidelines promote an approach to model development that is underpinned by a progression through a series of interdependent stages with frequent feedback loops to earlier 
stages. Figure ES-1 illustrates the process.

In the planning stage the modellers and key stakeholders should agree on various aspects of the model and the process leading to its development. The process should document the agreed modelling objectives and the model‘s intended use in contributing to or providing certain outcomes required by the larger project. The model confidence-level classification should be addressed at this stage. The classification is a benchmark that illustrates the level of confidence in the model predictions and generally reflects the level of data available to support model development, the calibration process and the manner in which the predictions are formulated.  <...>