Presenting Interim Results of the Groundwater Spatial Modeling Challenge

Hell no, we haven’t yet fully explored the potential of spatial modeling of groundwater parameters—and also the Groundwater Spatial Modeling Challenge (https://groundwater-spatial-modeling-challenge.github.io/challenge2024/) hasn’t solved it. However, this challenge fosters learning and discussion within the community by providing standardized data and performance evaluation. At the same time, it helps uncover previously unknown members of the community and facilitates collaboration.

This year, we present the interim results of all participating teams, comparing their methodological approaches and providing a preliminary analysis of model performances on the training and test data splits. Multiple metrics are used to account for their different focal points and limitations. Since quantitative metrics alone are insufficient to fully evaluate model predictions, we also analyze and discuss the generated maps of nitrate concentrations for the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, we provide a brief comparison of the prediction intervals submitted by each team.

Beyond presenting these results, our main aim is to provide a platform for further exchange and collaboration on these topics.

To encourage more teams to join, we are extending the participation deadline once again to July 15, 2025! Interested individuals or teams can find more information and participate via the link above. Submissions made by early April will have their results presented at the EGU.