Articles | Volume 21, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3427-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3427-2017
Review article
 | 
11 Jul 2017
Review article |  | 11 Jul 2017

The evolution of process-based hydrologic models: historical challenges and the collective quest for physical realism

Martyn P. Clark, Marc F. P. Bierkens, Luis Samaniego, Ross A. Woods, Remko Uijlenhoet, Katrina E. Bennett, Valentijn R. N. Pauwels, Xitian Cai, Andrew W. Wood, and Christa D. Peters-Lidard

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Cited articles

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Short summary
The diversity in hydrologic models has led to controversy surrounding the “correct” approach to hydrologic modeling. In this paper we revisit key modeling challenges on requirements to (1) define suitable model equations, (2) define adequate model parameters, and (3) cope with limitations in computing power. We outline the historical modeling challenges, summarize modeling advances that address these challenges, and define outstanding research needs.