1.1This guide covers techniques that should be used to compare the results of groundwater flow model simulations to measured field data as a part of the process of calibrating a groundwater model. This comparison produces quantitative and qualitative measures of the degree of correspondence between the simulation and site-specific information related to the physical hydrogeologic system.

1.2During the process of calibration of a groundwater flow model, each simulation is compared to site-specific information such as measured water levels or flow rates. The degree of correspondence between the simulation and the physical hydrogeologic system can then be compared to that for previous simulations to ascertain the success of previous calibration efforts and to identify potentially beneficial directions for further calibration efforts.

1.3By necessity, all knowledge of a site is derived from observations. This guide does not address the adequacy of any set of observations for characterizing a site.

1.4This guide does not establish criteria for successful calibration, nor does it describe techniques for establishing such criteria, nor does it describe techniques for achieving successful calibration.

1.5This guide is written for comparing the results of numerical groundwater flow models with observed site-specific information. However, these techniques could be applied to other types of groundwater related models, such as analytical models, multiphase flow models, noncontinuum (karst or fracture flow) models, or mass transport models.

1.6This guide is one of a series of guides on groundwater modeling codes (software) and their applications.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.