Säiliömallit

Säiliömallit, also known as tank models or conceptual models in hydrology, are simplified representations of a hydrological system that conceptualize the flow and storage of water within that system. They are not based on detailed physical laws like physically-based models, but rather on a simplified, lumped parameter description of the system's behavior. The core idea is to divide the system into discrete conceptual units, often referred to as "tanks" or "reservoirs," each representing a different component of the water cycle, such as snow, soil moisture, groundwater, or surface water.

Water enters and leaves these conceptual tanks based on predefined mathematical relationships, which are often empirical or semi-empirical. These relationships are determined by calibrating the model to observed data, such as streamflow measurements. The parameters within these relationships are adjusted until the model's output closely matches the observed behavior of the real hydrological system. This calibration process allows the model to capture the overall dynamics of water movement and storage without needing to explicitly simulate complex physical processes at a granular level.

Säiliömallit are widely used for various hydrological applications, including forecasting streamflow, assessing the impact of land-use changes, and evaluating water resource availability. Their primary advantage lies in their relative simplicity, computational efficiency, and ability to be calibrated with limited data. However, their simplified nature means they may not accurately represent complex hydrological processes or respond realistically to extreme events. They are best suited for regional-scale assessments and where detailed process understanding is not paramount.