Reactive transport in surface sediments: 1. Model complexity and software quality
Meysman, F.J.R.; Middelburg, J.J.; Herman, P.M.J.; Heip, C.H.R. (2003). Reactive transport in surface sediments: 1. Model complexity and software quality. Comput. Geosci. 29(3): 291-300 In: Computers and Geosciences. Elsevier Science: Oxford; New York. ISSN 0098-3004; e-ISSN 1873-7803, more |  |
| Keywords | Modelling
Sedimentation > Diagenesis
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| Abstract | Analysis of three recent diagenetic model codes (OMEXDIA, CANDI and STEADYSED) revealed that codes have a rigid, static and problem-specific character, leaving autonomy for the application user. The resulting lack of flexibility and extensibility, and the need for ground-level reprogramming, constitutes a major barrier for potential model users. Present codes have apparently passed a critical threshold of code complexity, above which code development becomes time-consuming and expensive using the present procedure-oriented techniques. We have explored the advantages of object-oriented technology and the concept of a problem-solving environment to improve the quality of software for reactive transport modelling. A general blueprint for an object-oriented code for modelling early diagenesis is presented. The MEDIA environment consists of a toolbox of building blocks (element, species and process objects), which can be combined freely by the user to construct new models (without the need for recompilation). An object-oriented database stores current objects and accommodates new user) defined building blocks. Altogether, it is advocated that by improving the software quality, one can substantially lower the threshold for using model codes as an integrated data-analysis tool. |
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