Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Peer Review: Scripting MODFLOW

Review of Scripting MODFLOW Model Development Using Python and FloPy
The overall organization of the paper was good.  Sections for Abstract, Introduction, Conclusion, Acknowledgments and References were all present and clearly labeled.  The material was ordered so that it is logical.  Subheadings helped to break up the main arguments into a basic example, advantages of scripting, and a more complex example.
The introduction of the paper gave a clear purpose of the paper, utilizing python script as alternative to utilizing GUI (graphical user interface) for the construction of a groundwater model. Historical use of a GUI in groundwater modeling is reported concisely.  Adequate citation is provided throughout the introduction.  The conclusion of the introduction clearly states the position of the paper as well as well as potential oppositions to be addressed.
The methods and results although sometimes outside the scope of my understanding appear to be adequate in detail and explanation.
The conclusion section opens the discussion of how the use of python programing instead of GUI facilitates analyses that can be difficult of impossible to complete with GUI, automating processing, records steps making it reproducibly by others, all while utilizing open source language (Python) and open source tools (FloPy).
Acknowledgments are generally given to contributors.  Welcome for additional information and or suggestions.  Standard non-endorsement statement included.
References appear to be in ample supply as well as well sited and organized.
References
Bakker, M., Post, V., Langevin, C.D., Hughes, J.D., White, J.T., Starn, J.J., & Fiennen, M.N. (2106, March 30).  Scripting MODFLOW Model Development Using Python and FloPy, Groundwater, 54: 733-739.  https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12413

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