TEST AV MoST – ETT NYTT VERKTYG FÖR KVALITETSSÄKRING AV MODELLERING INOM AVRINNINGSOMRÅDEN / A test of MoST – a new tool for quality assurance of catchment-based modelling
HarmoniQuA is an EU-project aiming at developing a quality assurance component for catchment-based modelling according to the EU Water Framework Directive. The two major outputs are (1) a harmonised, generic methodology with guidelines for “good modelling practice” and (2) a web-based toolbox for quality assurance support (MoST). To test the methodology and the toolbox, they were applied during scenario analyses of nutrient transport in a pilot catchment in southern Sweden, using the recently developed HBV-NP model. HBV-NP is based on the hydrological HBV model, equipped with routines for N and P transport and transformation. The model was set up, calibrated, validated and applied following the guidance and monitoring functions of MoST. Overall, the MoST functions performed well in providing structure and guidance during the modelling and enabling detailed monitoring of the process. Negative criticism concerned mainly the comprehensive and detailed nature of the contents, making MoST laborious and time consuming to apply, particularly in the case of a smaller modelling project. This and other specific criticism are taken into account in the ongoing (autumn 2005) development of the final MoST version.