Ensemble machine learning models have been widely used in hydro-systems modeling as robust prediction tools that combine multiple decision trees. In this study, three newly developed ensemble machine learning models, namely Gradient Boost Regression (GBR), Ada Boost Regression (ABR) and Random Forest Regression (RFR) are proposed for prediction of Suspended Sediment Load (SSL), and their prediction performance and related uncertainty are assessed. The Suspended Sediment Load (SSL) of the Mississippi River, which is one of the major world rivers and is significantly affected by sedimentation, is predicted based on daily values of river Discharge (Q) and Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC). Based on performance metrics and visualization, the RFR model shows a slight lead in prediction performance. The uncertainty analysis also indicates that the input variable combination has more impact on the obtained predictions than the model structure selection.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.