This document describes a methodology for numerically optimizing empirical models of highly dynamic, spatially expansive, and behaviorally heterogeneous hydrologic systems. The key steps are:
1) Segmenting data into behavioral classes using clustering algorithms.
2) Modeling each behavioral class separately with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to capture nonlinear dynamics.
3) Building ANN classifiers to link static site characteristics to dynamic behaviors.
4) Running the full model by classifying new sites and running the appropriate behavioral model.
The approach is demonstrated on stream temperature, Floridan aquifer, and Wisconsin stream temperature modeling cases.