Abstract
This paper describes a new method for generating spatially-correlated random fields. Such fields are often encountered in hydrology and hydrogeology and in the earth sciences. The method is based on two observations: (i) spatially distributed attributes usually display a stationary correlation structure, and (ii) the screening effect of measurements leads to the sufficiency of a small search neighborhood when it comes to projecting measurements and data in space. The algorithm which was developed based on these principles is called HYDRO_GEN, and its features and properties are discussed in depth. HYDRO_GEN is found to be accurate and extremely fast. It is also versatile: it can simulate fields of different nature, starting from weakly stationary fields with a prescribed covariance and ending with fractal fields. The simulated fields can display statistical isotropy or anisotropy.
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Bellin, A., Rubin, Y. HYDRO_GEN: A spatially distributed random field generator for correlated properties. Stochastic Hydrol Hydraul 10, 253–278 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01581869
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01581869