Interpretation of Modeling Results

We will discuss the modeling interpretations in the following chapters. But we should always ask ourselves the question Is the model sufficient or accurate Bethke (1996) drafted a check list for geochemical modeling which we have modified somewhat and present here. 

Is the chemical analysis used sufficiently accurate to support the modeling study  

Does the thermodynamic database in the program contain the aqueous species, surface complexes, and minerals likely to be important in the solution  

Are the equilibrium constants for the important reactions in the thermodynamic database sufficiently accurate to warrant the conclusions  

Is the ionic strength small enough so that the activity coefficient model in the modeling code is applicable  

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Figure 6. The interpretation of modeling results without considering confidence regions may be misleading (see text).

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