Environmental Modelling : Finding Simplicity in Complexity

Simulation models are increasingly used to investigate processes and solve practical problems in a wide variety of disciplines eg. climatology, ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, engineering. Environmental Modelling: A Practical Approach addresses the development, testing and application of such models, which apply across traditional boundaries, and demonstrate how interactions across these boundaries can be beneficial.

• Provides a general overview of methods and approaches as well as focusing on key subject areas written by leading practitioners in the field
• Assesses the advantages and disadvantages of different models used and provides case studies supported with data, output, tutorial exercises and links to the model and/or model applications via the book's website
• Covers major developments in the field, eg. the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques, and scaling issues
• As associated website contains colour images, as well as links to www resources

Simulation models are increasingly used to investigate processes and solve practical problems in a wide variety of disciplines. Central to the concept of this book is the idea that environmental systems are complex, open systems. The approach that the authors take is to present the diversity of approaches to dealing with environmental complexity and to encourage readers to make comparisons between these approaches and between different disciplines.

Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity is divided into four main sections. The first section provides an overview of methods and approaches to modelling. The following sections look at the state of the art in modelling different processes, the tools used and the applications addressed. It concludes with a look into the future of simulation modelling and some of the major developments in the field that are currently ongoing, including the use of GIS.

This book:

• Focuses on simplifying complex environmental systems.
• Reviews current software, tools and techniques for modelling.

• Has an associated website containing colour images, links to WWW resources and chapter support pages, including data sets relating to case studies, exercises and model animations.

• Gives practical examples from a wide variety of disciplines, e.g., climatology, ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and engineering.

This book is suitable for 2^nd/3^rd year undergraduates taking courses in Environmental Modelling in Departments of Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering and Biology. It is also designed to appeal to professionals interested in the environmental sciences, including environmental consultants, government employees, civil engineers, geographers, ecologists, meteorologists, geochemists, soil scientist, environmental managers, social scientists, archaeologists, agronomists, engineers and applied mathematicians, as well as those with interests in spatial modelling and GIS.