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MODELING CONSISTENCY, MODEL QUALITY, AND FOSTERING CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT
Citation:
Frick, W E., D. J. Baumgartner, L. R. Davis, W. S. Lung, AND P. W. Roberts. MODELING CONSISTENCY, MODEL QUALITY, AND FOSTERING CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT. Presented at International Conference of Marine Waste Water Discharges 2000, Genova, Italy, November 27-30, 2000.
Impact/Purpose:
Produce a computer model utilizing water transport estimates or real-time current-meter data to track the motion of contaminants from point and other sources, and to predict the concentration of pathogens or other pollutants at beach and other sensitive sites.
Description:
We believe that most contributors to and participants of the International Conference, Marine Waste Water Discharges 2000, "MWWD 2000," could agree that the overarching dream of the conference might be to chart a path the will lead to the best, long-term, applicable water quality science. But how can this dream become a reality when history shows that our actions as a community have frequently diverged from such a path? The reasons for such divergence are complex but the answer may be as simple as periodically meeting, as in MWWD 2000, to reaffirm a commitment to science, despite forces that often divert us from an optimum course.
Given the influence of proximity, this is predominantly an American viewpoint, even though our nationalities reflect an international influence. The viewpoints expressed here have a North American focus, but hopefully they can contribute to the larger viewpoint emerging from MWWD 2000. Thus, the opposing values implied by the strengths and weaknesses of limited viewpoints may be ultimately perceived to blur into a holistic entity that contributes to the overall good of the international modeling community. In any case, this work will try honestly to assess major events and ideas with the aim of guaranteeing the long-term vigor of the science embraced and promoted by conferences such as this. In this manner it is appropriate to offer a series of more or less closely related vignettes that can put our experience in perspective, showing where we have seized opportunities for the good of the science, and, also, to explore events and initiatives that have led to missed opportunities, if not outright disasters, and that have sometimes sapped the energy of the community. This work is not an official policy statement, limited time does not allow a development of consensus that would be necessary to formulate an official position. However, as some of us are nearing retirement, if we are not already essentially retired, and as we represent the broad spectrum of interests, at least government, academia, consulting, and industry, it seems pertinent to tell our stories in way to help guide the future of the science that we helped to pioneer and to give the next generation the benefit of this experience and perspective. In that sense, this work will hopefully help shape future directions taken by governments and all entities concerned about the environment.