Numerical modelling-based sensitivity analysis of fluvial morphodynamics

This study's objective is to assess the sensitivity analysis' potential for application in the context of the stochastic input based modelling of fluvial morphodynamics. The corresponding work involved (1) an analysis of the work available in the literature and (2) an independent application of sensitivity analysis for comparison. The application of sensitivity analysis was accomplished by using a numerical hydro-morphodynamic model to represent the natural morphodynamical processes' response to the uncertainty in a selected set of variables. The resulting morphodynamical sensitivities were quantified and a characterization of the relationship between the variables' effects and morphodynamics was produced. The potential generalization of the results of sensitivity analysis for the purposes of validating stochastic modelling across different case studies was assessed. Resulting sensitivities were found to be strongly case-specific with little generalization potential, indicating that sensitivity analysis in the context of fluvial morphodynamics is likely of little scientific interest.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the potential application of sensitivity analysis in stochastic input based modeling of fluvial morphodynamics. The results showed that the sensitivities were highly case-specific and had little potential for generalization, indicating limited scientific interest in sensitivity analysis in the context of fluvial morphodynamics.