R. S. GOVINDARAJU and ARAMACHANDRA RAO School of Civil Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette, IN. , USA Background and Motivation The basic notion of artificial neural networks (ANNs), as we understand them today, was perhaps first formalized by McCulloch and Pitts (1943) in their model of an artificial neuron. Research in this field remained somewhat dormant in the early years, perhaps because of the limited capabilities of this method and because there was no clear indication of its potential uses. However, interest in this area picked up momentum in a dramatic fashion with the works of Hopfield (1982) and Rumelhart et al. (1986). Not only did these studies place artificial neural networks on a firmer mathematical footing, but also opened the dOOf to a host of potential applications for this computational tool. Consequently, neural network computing has progressed rapidly along all fronts: theoretical development of different learning algorithms, computing capabilities, and applications to diverse areas from neurophysiology to the stock market. . Initial studies on artificial neural networks were prompted by adesire to have computers mimic human learning. As a result, the jargon associated with the technical literature on this subject is replete with expressions such as excitation and inhibition of neurons, strength of synaptic connections, learning rates, training, and network experience. ANNs have also been referred to as neurocomputers by people who want to preserve this analogy.

R. S. GOVINDARAJU and ARAMACHANDRA RAO School of Civil Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette, IN. , USA Background and Motivation The basic notion of artificial neural networks (ANNs), as we understand them today, was perhaps first formalized by McCulloch and Pitts (1943) in their model of an artificial neuron. Research in this field remained somewhat dormant in the early years, perhaps because of the limited capabilities of this method and because there was no clear indication of its potential uses. However, interest in this area picked up momentum in a dramatic fashion with the works of Hopfield (1982) and Rumelhart et al. (1986). Not only did these studies place artificial neural networks on a firmer mathematical footing, but also opened the dOOf to a host of potential applications for this computational tool. Consequently, neural network computing has progressed rapidly along all fronts: theoretical development of different learning algorithms, computing capabilities, and applications to diverse areas from neurophysiology to the stock market. . Initial studies on artificial neural networks were prompted by adesire to have computers mimic human learning. As a result, the jargon associated with the technical literature on this subject is replete with expressions such as excitation and inhibition of neurons, strength of synaptic connections, learning rates, training, and network experience. ANNs have also been referred to as neurocomputers by people who want to preserve this analogy.

A new approach to the fast-developing world of neural hydrological modelling, this book is essential reading for academics and researchers in the fields of water sciences, civil engineering, hydrology and physical geography. Each chapter has been written by one or more eminent experts working in various fields of hydrological modelling. The book covers an introduction to the concepts and technology involved, numerous case-studies with practical applications and methods, and finishes with suggestions for future research directions. Wide in scope, this book offers both significant new theoretical challenges and an examination of real-world problem-solving in all areas of hydrological modelling interest.

International experts from around the globe present a rich variety of intriguing developments in time series analysis in hydrology and environmental engineering. Climatic change is of great concern to everyone and significant contributions to this challenging research topic are put forward by internationally renowned authors. A range of interesting applications in hydrological forecasting are given for case studies in reservoir operation in North America, Asia and South America. Additionally, progress in entropy research is described and entropy concepts are applied to various water resource systems problems. Neural networks are employed for forecasting runoff and water demand. Moreover, graphical, nonparametric and parametric trend analyses methods are compared and applied to water quality time series. Other topics covered in this landmark volume include spatial analyses, spectral analyses and different methods for stream-flow modelling. Audience The book constitutes an invaluable resource for researchers, teachers, students and practitioners who wish to be at the forefront of time series analysis in the environmental sciences.

Engineers have attempted to solve water resources engineering problems with the help of empirical, regression-based and numerical models. Empirical models are not universal, nor are regression-based models. The numerical models are, on the other hand, physics-based but require substantial data measurement and parameter estimation. Hence, there is a need to employ models that are robust, user-friendly, and practical and that do not have the shortcomings of the existing methods. Artificial intelligence methods meet this need. Soft Computing in Water Resources Engineering introduces the basics of artificial neural networks (ANN), fuzzy logic (FL) and genetic algorithms (GA). It gives details on the feed forward back propagation algorithm and also introduces neuro-fuzzy modelling to readers. Artificial intelligence method applications covered in the book include predicting and forecasting floods, predicting suspended sediment, predicting event-based flow hydrographs and sedimentographs, locating seepage path in an earth-fill dam body, and the predicting dispersion coefficient in natural channels. The author also provides an analysis comparing the artificial intelligence models and contemporary non-artificial intelligence methods (empirical, numerical, regression, etc.). The ANN, FL, and GA are fairly new methods in water resources engineering. The first publications appeared in the early 1990s and quite a few studies followed in the early 2000s. Although these methods are currently widely known in journal publications, they are still very new for many scientific readers and they are totally new for students, especially undergraduates. Numerical methods were first taught at the graduate level but are now taught at the undergraduate level. There are already a few graduate courses developed on AI methods in engineering and included in the graduate curriculum of some universities. It is expected that these courses, too, will soon be taught at the undergraduate levels.

The development of “intelligent” systems that can take decisions and perform autonomously might lead to faster and more consistent decisions. A limiting factor for a broader adoption of AI technology is the inherent risks that come with giving up human control and oversight to “intelligent” machines. For sensitive tasks involving critical infrastructures and affecting human well-being or health, it is crucial to limit the possibility of improper, non-robust and unsafe decisions and actions. Before deploying an AI system, we see a strong need to validate its behavior, and thus establish guarantees that it will continue to perform as expected when deployed in a real-world environment. In pursuit of that objective, ways for humans to verify the agreement between the AI decision structure and their own ground-truth knowledge have been explored. Explainable AI (XAI) has developed as a subfield of AI, focused on exposing complex AI models to humans in a systematic and interpretable manner. The 22 chapters included in this book provide a timely snapshot of algorithms, theory, and applications of interpretable and explainable AI and AI techniques that have been proposed recently reflecting the current discourse in this field and providing directions of future development. The book is organized in six parts: towards AI transparency; methods for interpreting AI systems; explaining the decisions of AI systems; evaluating interpretability and explanations; applications of explainable AI; and software for explainable AI.

Land use and water resources are two major environmental issues which necessitate conservation, management, and maintenance practices through the use of various engineering techniques. Water scientists and environmental engineers must address the various aspects of flood control, soil conservation, rainfall-runoff processes, and groundwater hydrology. Watershed Management and Applications of AI provides the necessary principles of hydrology to provide practical strategies useful for the planning, design, and management of watersheds. The book also synthesizes novel new approaches, such as hydrological applications of machine learning using neural networks to predict runoff and using artificial intelligence for the prediction of groundwater fluctuations. Features: Presents hydrologic analysis and design along with soil conservation practices through proper watershed management techniques Provides analysis of land erosion and sediment transport in watersheds from small to large scale Includes estimations for runoff using different methodologies with systematic approaches for each Discusses water harvesting and development of water yield catchments This book will be a valuable resource for students in hydrology courses, environmental consultants, water resource engineers, and researchers in related water science and engineering fields.