Comparing Physics-Based and Neural Network Models for Simulating Salinity, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen in a Complex, Tidally Affected River Basin

Water Resources of South Carolina Publication

Comparing Physics-Based and Neural Network Models
for Simulating Salinity, Temperature, and Dissolved
Oxygen in a Complex, Tidally Affected River Basin

By Paul A. Conrads¹ and Edwin A. Roehl, Jr.²

¹Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Gracern Road, Suite 129, Columbia, South Carolina
²OptiQuest Technologies, LLC, Greenville, South Carolina

Conference Paper

Proceedings of the South Carolina Environmental Conferences, Myrtle Beach, March 15-16, 1999

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey participated in an evaluation of using neural networks for modeling estuarine systems, and selected physics-based, dynamic one-dimensional flow and water-quality models of the Cooper and Wando Rivers for comparison. The results showed that the neural network models were more accurate at simulating salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen of this very complex estuarine system than physics-based models. They were also far less costly to develop and can be easily integrated into commercial software, such as spreadsheets, and real-time data acquisition and control systems. However, the physics-based models may provide a better understanding of the system.s behavior and provide a better methodology for extrapolating to environmental conditions that are not manifest in the historical data.

Abstract
Introduction
Description of Study Area
Modeling Approaches
Physics_based Models
Neural Network Models
Results
Discussion
   Data Requirements
   Temporal and Spatial Interpolation
   Extrapolating Beyond Range of Data
   Providing Process Understanding
   Development Time and Costs
   Deployment Options
Conclusion
References

FIGURES

Figure 1. Study Area.
Figure 2. Computed and measured salinity for two stations on the Cooper River.
Figure 3. Computed and measured water temperature and dissolved-oxygen concentration at station 021720675 on the Cooper River.

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Water Resources of South Carolina Publication