Sensitivity analysis of environmental models: A systematic review with practical workflow

Journal article

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.

Authors: Pianosi, F; Beven, K; Freer, J; Hall, J; Rougier, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Environmental Modelling and Software
• Volume: 79
• Issue: May 2016
• Pages: 214-232
• Publication date: 2016-02-18
• Acceptance date: 2016-02-02
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.02.008
• EISSN: 1873-6726
• ISSN: 1364-8152
• Keywords: robust decision-making; evaluation; sensitivity analysis; SBTMR; uncertainty analysis; calibration