Conceptual Model

A conceptual model is the first step in developing a more quantitative geologic, water-quality, groundwater-flow, or water-management model. A conceptual model defines the setting, the general structure, the primary processes, and a mass balance for the system being evaluated. The value in preparing a conceptual model is that it facilitates and expedites developing a credible quantitative model. Having a well-thought-out conceptual model helps prevent ending up with a quantitative model that works, might even appear credible, but is wrong in some very basic way. Probably the primary, often fatal criticism of a quantitative model is that it conflicts with a basic conceptual model of the system.