Site Parameters Validation


When a Century simulation is configured, the configuration object runs a check on the site parameters for "missing values" and for invalid or suspect parameter values. For instance, if a bulk density value is zero, a default value is supplied (usually that of the layer above.) Messages are shown on the user's output (screen or window) describing the actions taken.

Three types of messages are provided, if necessary: error messages, and warnings and notes. Error messages are produced when an invalid value is found. For example, a thickness value that is negative will produce an error message. Warning messages are produced when a value might be invalid, but probably will not prevent the model from running. An example is a bulk density value that is very low or very high. Note messages are produced when values are changed, such as when a thickness value is zero.

The following example shows the action messages produced when a Century4 site parameters file is read and validated. In this example, the thickness values came from the ADEP(*) fixed parameters, while the remaining values are from the single values for BULKD, SAND, SILT, and CLAY allowed in a Century4 site parameter file.

Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(1) = 15
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(2) = 15
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(3) = 15
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(4) = 15
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(5) = 30
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(6) = 30
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(7) = 30
Note: Value changed (was 0): THICK(8) = 30
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(2) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(3) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(4) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(5) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(6) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(7) = 1
Note: Value changed (was 0): BULKD(8) = 1
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(2) = 0.25, SILT(2) = 0.5, CLAY(2) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(3) = 0.25, SILT(3) = 0.5, CLAY(3) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(4) = 0.25, SILT(4) = 0.5, CLAY(4) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(5) = 0.25, SILT(5) = 0.5, CLAY(5) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(6) = 0.25, SILT(6) = 0.5, CLAY(6) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(7) = 0.25, SILT(7) = 0.5, CLAY(7) = 0.25
Note: Values changed (were 0): SAND(8) = 0.25, SILT(8) = 0.5, CLAY(8) = 0.25

See Also

Running Century and CMI with Command-Line Options
Editing Site Parameters