Ta. Fontaine et Vmf. Jacomino, SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF SIMULATED CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT TRANSPORT, Journal of the american water resources association, 33(2), 1997, pp. 313-326
A simulation analysis of contaminated sediment transport involves mode
l selection, data collection, model calibration and verification, and
evaluation of uncertainty in the results. Sensitivity analyses provide
information to address these issues at several stages of the investig
ation. A sensitivity analysis of simulated contaminated sediment trans
port is used to identify the most sensitive output variables and the p
arameters most responsible for the output variable sensitivity. The ou
tput variables included are streamflow and the flux of sediment and Cs
-137. The sensitivities of these variables are measured at the field a
nd intermediate scales, for flood and normal flow conditions, using th
e HSPF computer model. A sensitivity index was used to summarize and c
ompare the results of a large number of output variables and parameter
s. An extensive database was developed to calibrate the model and cond
uct the sensitivity analysis on a 6.2 mi(2) catchment in eastern Tenne
ssee. The fluxes of sediment and Cs-137 were more sensitive than strea
mflow to changes in parameters for both flood and normal flow conditio
ns. The relative significance of specific parameters on output variabl
e sensitivity varied according to the type of flow condition and the l
ocation in the catchment. An implications section illustrates how sens
itivity analysis results can help with model selection, planning data
collection, calibration, and uncertainty analysis.