Parameter acquisition for modelling exchange processes between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

In the Bornhöved Lakes Ecosystem Research Project fluxes of water, nutrients and other substances from the surrounding upland into Lake Belau are studied. The investigation of different transition subsystems requires the application of both spatially distributed models and lumped box models. Present knowledge of processes and parameters, the types of models and the availability of measured data decide if parameter calibration can be carried out. Without altering the model structure the sets of calibrated parameters refer to different time scales. Case studies show how to improve the efficiency by careful coordination of measurement, modelling and different parameter acquisition methods.