The Genetic Algorithm and Its Application to Calibrating Conceptual Rainfall‐Runoff Models

Abstract

The genetic algorithm is a search procedure based on the mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics, which combines an artificial survival of the fittest with genetic operators abstracted from nature. In this paper, a genetic algorithm for function optimization is introduced and applied to calibration of a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model for data from a particular catchment. All seven parameters of the model are optimized. The results show that the genetic algorithm can be efficient and robust. Copyright 1991 by the American Geophysical Union.