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<br />Chapter II <br /> <br />Development of a Physically Based Distributed <br />Parameter Rainfall Runoff Mockl <br /> <br />OVERVIEW OF MMS <br /> <br />MMS is an integrated system of computer software developed to support the development and <br />testing of physical-process models. MMS can be conceptualized as a graphical framework within <br />which physical-process models can be created, calibrated, and tested. MMS has been developed <br />for use in an X-Windows environment on UNIX based workstations. The system features two <br />graphical user interfaces: (I) XMBUlLD and (2) XMMS, each of which is described herein. <br /> <br />XMBUILD facilitates the creation of a new model or the modification of an existing model. <br />Using the XMBUILD graphical interface, a modeler can link user selected sets of algorithms into <br />an operational model. Within XMBUILD, there is a library of physical-process "modules." Each <br />.of these modules contains source code (written in either C or FORTRAN) which performs the <br />functions of a particular physical process. By selecting compatible sets of modules from the <br />interface, the user can "build" a customized model. If a needed algorithm is not available within <br />the XMBUILD library, the user can write his or her own source code for this algorithm and then <br />contribute this module 10 the system. XMBUILD promotes a modular approach to modeling, <br />whereby one can easily swap out an algorithm in a model without having to rewrite the linkages <br />between the various model components. The transfer of model parameters and model variables <br />between modules in MMS/XMBUILD is handled by the system, freeing the users to focus on <br />model process algorithms instead of model input-output. <br /> <br />Using XMBUILD, the modeler links a set of modules to create an executable version of an <br />operational model. These operational models are subsequently run using the XMMS interface. <br />The XMMS interface includes a suite of tools which assist the modeler in: (I) performing model <br />simulations, (2) modifying input parameters, (3) visualizing model processes, and (4) analyzing <br />model results. Graphical menus and dialogue boxes provide the means through which the user <br />accesses system features. <br /> <br />Among the many system features is a graphical spreadsheet for the modification of model <br />parameters and model initial conditions. Model runs are controlled via menus and dialogue boxes, <br />whereby the user selects time series input files, start and end times for the simulations, and other <br /> <br />8 <br />