Array defaults

[wpbonelli]

The DFNs currently define defaults for some array variables for which questions of appropriateness have been raised. E.g.

• GWF IC strt = 1.0
• GWF DIS nlay = 1, nrow/ncol = 2, delc/delr = 1.0, botm = 0.0
• NPF k = 1.0

If I recall correctly, the thinking was, these make it slightly easier to create simple models, by removing the need to specify values, but there is no reason for any particular value.

Do we want defaults for array variables that have no obvious default values? Is ease of creating a simulation sufficient reason?

Others though are justifiable on a physical basis, like

• GWE EST density_water = 1000.0, heat_capacity_water = 4184.0

Then there is the widespread use of default DNODATA (3e30) which may be a separate question.