A hybrid empirical-Bayesian artificial neural network model of salinity in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rath, John S.; Hutton, Paul H.; Chen, Limin; Roy, Sujoy B.
• Is Part Of: Environmental modelling & software. Volume 93(2017)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Salinity -- Artificial neural network -- Structural validation -- Bayesian parameter estimation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Digital computer simulation -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Computer Simulation -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Logiciels -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Simulation par ordinateur -- Périodiques; Logiciels -- Périodiques; Computer software; Digital computer simulation; Ecology -- Computer simulation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70015118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2017.03.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-8152

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reports the refinement of a published empirical model of salinity in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary by integration with a Bayesian artificial neural network (ANN) model and incorporation of additional inputs. Performance goals established for the resulting hybrid model are based on the quality of fit to observed data (replicative and predictive validation) as well as sensitivity when compared with a priori knowledge of system behavior (structural validation). ANN model parameters were constrained to provide plausible sensitivity to coastal water level, a key input introduced in the hybrid formulation. In addition to representing observed data better than the underlying empirical model while meeting structural validation goals, the hybrid model allows for characterization of prediction uncertainty. This work demonstrates a real-world application of a general approach— integration of a pre-existing model with a Bayesian ANN constrained by knowledge of system behavior—that has broad application for environmental modeling.