In this book the authors consider the natural environment as an integrated system and describe a cohesive approach to its modelling and prediction. The book emphasises the mathematical representation and numerical simulation of the interactions between the various environmental components and those of the environmental processes, including physical, chemical and biological. Furthermore, it summarises some of the recent progress and new developments in the modelling and prediction of the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, continental hydrosphere, cryosphere, etc. The authors also explore new theoretical frameworks in environmental prediction, such as systems analysis and statistical-dynamic modelling. The applications of remote sensing and geographic information systems in environmental modelling and prediction are discussed. Examples of integrated environmental modelling are given
From the reviews:
"This comprehensive book ... arrives on the modelling scene at an opportune time. ... The coverage is essentially complete with introductory material on the nature of environmental modelling ... . The book is attractively produced, compact but legible, as is usual for Springer publications. ... The index is well done. It deserves a place on the bookshelf of all environmental modellers and those environmental scientists and engineers who seek to understand and quantify the often frighteningly complex phenomena which shape our biosphere." (Don MacKay, Environmental Conservation, Vol. 30 (2), 2003)
"The aim of this volume ... is to bring together the collective efforts of scientists from several disciplines to summarize recent developments in theories, methodologies and applications of integrated environmental modelling ... . The book is essentially a reference for scientists involved in numerical modelling of the global environment and would be a useful addition to libraries and reference collections. ... for those geologists who are interested in the mathematics of continental-scale and global-scale integrated environmental modelling ... this may be a most useful reference." (Peter Dahlhaus, The Australian Geologist, Issue 125, 2002)
"The cover claims the book to ... consider the environment as an integrated system and describe a cohesive approach to its modeling and prediction. This sounds extremely interesting ... . the book covers a very interesting and timely area of research. ... the integrating parts on environmental modeling in general provide a good ... overview over the subject and a starting point for further literature research." (M. W. Rotach, Meteorologische Zeitschrift, Vol. 12 (1), 2003)
"The book is a multi-author compilation of articles on the recent state of numerical modelling of environmental systems and subsystems. ... The book provides a good overview on the state-of-the art in environmental modelling and prediction with special emphasis on the energy and water balance. ... It is recommended for environmental scientists working on global issues as well as for graduate students ... . The list of 844 references is of particular value for those interested in model development and application in more detail." (Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Michael Matthies, Environmental Science and Pollution, Vol. 10 (1), 2003)
