Physically based modeling in surface water-groundwater interaction: How numerical tools help understand hydrological processes

It is widely accepted that groundwater and surface water are not isolated components of the catchment water balance and that their interaction is important to stream ecology, water quality and water quantity. A quantitative understanding of the interaction between surface water and groundwater is therefore crucial for sustainable management of water resources. Physically based models can help to conceptualize and understand these interactions. The paper presents two examples of how such models can help to improve our understanding and therefore our management strategies. Some final conclusions on the importance of physically based modeling in understanding surface water groundwater interactions are drawn.