TY - JOUR

T1 - Sensitivity analysis of environmental models

T2 - a systematic review with practical workflow

AU - Pianosi, Francesca

AU - Beven, Keith John

AU - Freer, Jim

AU - Hall, Jim

AU - Rougier, Jonathan

AU - Stephenson, David B.

AU - Wagener, Thorsten

PY - 2016/5

Y1 - 2016/5

N2 - Sensitivity Analysis (SA) investigates how the variation in the output of a numerical model can be attributed to variations of its input factors. SA is increasingly being used in environmental modelling for a variety of purposes, including uncertainty assessment, model calibration and diagnostic evaluation, dominant control analysis and robust decision-making. In this paper we review the SA literature with the goal of providing: (i) a comprehensive view of SA approaches also in relation to other methodologies for model identification and application; (ii) a systematic classification of the most commonly used SA methods; (iii) practical guidelines for the application of SA. The paper aims at delivering an introduction to SA for non-specialist readers, as well as practical advice with best practice examples from the literature; and at stimulating the discussion within the community of SA developers and users regarding the setting of good practices and on defining priorities for future research.

AB - Sensitivity Analysis (SA) investigates how the variation in the output of a numerical model can be attributed to variations of its input factors. SA is increasingly being used in environmental modelling for a variety of purposes, including uncertainty assessment, model calibration and diagnostic evaluation, dominant control analysis and robust decision-making. In this paper we review the SA literature with the goal of providing: (i) a comprehensive view of SA approaches also in relation to other methodologies for model identification and application; (ii) a systematic classification of the most commonly used SA methods; (iii) practical guidelines for the application of SA. The paper aims at delivering an introduction to SA for non-specialist readers, as well as practical advice with best practice examples from the literature; and at stimulating the discussion within the community of SA developers and users regarding the setting of good practices and on defining priorities for future research.

KW - Sensitivity Analysis

KW - Uncertainty Analysis

KW - Calibration

KW - Evaluation

KW - Robust decision-making

U2 - 10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.02.008

DO - 10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.02.008

M3 - Journal article

VL - 79

SP - 214

EP - 232

JO - Environmental Modelling and Software

JF - Environmental Modelling and Software

SN - 1364-8152

ER -