HR: 10:20h
AN: T12A-01 INVITED     [Abstracts]
TI: Myths about Mathematical Modeling in Hydrology and Geomorphology
AU: * Bras, R L
EM: rlbras@mit.edu
AF: Massacusetts Institute of Technology, Rm. 48-211, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139 United States
AU: Tucker, G E
EM: gtucker@cires.colorado.edu
AF: University of Colorado, CIRES and Dept of Geological Sciences, 2200 Colorado ave., Boulder, CO 80309 United States
AB: Models have always been essential in science. Unfortunately an artificial schism sometimes exists between modelers and experimentalist (or 'observationalists' ). On the one hand this schism is fueled by the abuse and misuse of readily available and commonly complicated mathematical models of modern days. On the other hand, it is also a result of lack of understanding of what lies behind models and of commonly polarized education, emphasizing one or another approach. In this paper we try to illustrate why we think mathematical models are useful and necessary in geomorphology and hydrology. We attempt to dispel myths that we believe hamper the appropriate use of mathematical models. First we argue that mechanistic rigor is not always possible or the best approach to problems. Second we discuss the meaning of 'verification' or 'confirmation' in a statistical, distributional, sense. Third we provide examples of how even 'unconfirmed' models can be useful tools and how 'failures' can lead to discoveries. Finally we show how complexity is not necessarily good or bad and how complex models commonly lead to simple solutions - or vice-versa. Mathematical modeling is a necessary tool of modern science, one that has expanded our horizons and ability to understand the natural world.
DE: 1815 Erosion
DE: 1824 Geomorphology: general (1625)
DE: 1825 Geomorphology: fluvial (1625)
DE: 1826 Geomorphology: hillslope (1625)
DE: 1862 Sediment transport (4558)
SC: Tectonophysics [T]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005