Given the importance of interdisciplinary work in sustainability, Simulation of Ecological and Environmental Models introduces the theory and practice of modeling and simulation as applied in a variety of disciplines that deal with earth systems, the environment, ecology, and human-nature interactions. Based on the author's many years of teaching g

Given the importance of interdisciplinary work in sustainability, Simulation of Ecological and Environmental Models introduces the theory and practice of modeling and simulation as applied in a variety of disciplines that deal with earth systems, the environment, ecology, and human–nature interactions. Based on the author’s many years of teaching graduate and undergraduate students in the United States, Spain, and Latin America, the textbook shows how to implement simulations and analyze the results using an open-source software platform. Learn How to Use a Broad Range of Environmental Models The textbook is organized into three parts to allow greater flexibility using the material in various countries and types of curricula. The first part provides a tutorial-style mathematical review and a gentle introduction to the basics of R software. The second part explains the fundamentals of modeling methodology through one-dimensional models. After a review of matrix algebra, the third part progresses to multidimensional models, focusing on structured populations, communities, and ecosystems. The final chapters show how simple models are hooked together to generate more comprehensive models. Build from Fundamental Concepts to Problem Solving Each chapter starts with conceptual and theoretical material to give a firm foundation in how the methods work. Examples and exercises illustrate the applications and demonstrate how to go from concepts to problem solving. Hands-on computer sessions let students grasp the practical implications and learn by doing. Throughout, the computer examples and exercises use seem, an open-source R package developed by the author, which lets students quickly produce simulations and explore the effects of changing conditions in the model. This practical book is a comprehensive, unified presentation of ecological and environmental models. It describes the mathematical fundamentals to analyze models and the methodology to simulate them, with a focus on understanding environmental change—a key element of environmental management and problem solving.

Mathematical modelling is an essential tool in present-day ecological research. Yet for many ecologists it is still problematic to apply modelling in their research. In our experience, the major problem is at the conceptual level: proper understanding of what a model is, how ecological relations can be translated consistently into mathematical equations, how models are solved, steady states calculated and interpreted. Many textbooks jump over these conceptual hurdles to dive into detailed formulations or the mathematics of solution. This book attempts to fill that gap. It introduces essential concepts for mathematical modelling, explains the mathematics behind the methods, and helps readers to implement models and obtain hands-on experience. Throughout the book, emphasis is laid on how to translate ecological questions into interpretable models in a practical way. The book aims to be an introductory textbook at the undergraduate-graduate level, but will also be useful to seduce experienced ecologists into the world of modelling. The range of ecological models treated is wide, from Lotka-Volterra type of principle-seeking models to environmental or ecosystem models, and including matrix models, lattice models and sequential decision models. All chapters contain a concise introduction into the theory, worked-out examples and exercises. All examples are implemented in the open-source package R, thus taking away problems of software availability for use of the book. All code used in the book is available on a dedicated website.

Mathematical modelling is an essential tool in present-day ecological research. Yet for many ecologists it is still problematic to apply modelling in their research. In our experience, the major problem is at the conceptual level: proper understanding of what a model is, how ecological relations can be translated consistently into mathematical equations, how models are solved, steady states calculated and interpreted. Many textbooks jump over these conceptual hurdles to dive into detailed formulations or the mathematics of solution. This book attempts to fill that gap. It introduces essential concepts for mathematical modelling, explains the mathematics behind the methods, and helps readers to implement models and obtain hands-on experience. Throughout the book, emphasis is laid on how to translate ecological questions into interpretable models in a practical way. The book aims to be an introductory textbook at the undergraduate-graduate level, but will also be useful to seduce experienced ecologists into the world of modelling. The range of ecological models treated is wide, from Lotka-Volterra type of principle-seeking models to environmental or ecosystem models, and including matrix models, lattice models and sequential decision models. All chapters contain a concise introduction into the theory, worked-out examples and exercises. All examples are implemented in the open-source package R, thus taking away problems of software availability for use of the book. All code used in the book is available on a dedicated website.

Cover -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- 1.1 Physical and Mathematical Models -- 1.2 Models as a Management Tool -- 1.3 Models as a Scientific Tool -- 1.4 Models and Holism -- 1.5 The Ecosystem as an Object for Research -- 1.6 Outline of the Book -- 1.7 The Development of Ecological and Environmental Models -- 1.8 State of the Art in the Application of Models -- Chapter 2. Concepts of Modelling -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 Modelling Elements -- 2.3 The Modelling Procedure -- 2.4 Types of Model -- 2.5 Selection of Model Type -- 2.6 Selection of Model Complexity and Structure -- 2.7 Verification -- 2.8 Sensitivity Analysis -- 2.9 Parameter Estimation -- 2.10 Validation -- 2.11 Ecological Modelling and Quantum Theory -- 2.12 Modelling Constraints -- Problems -- Chapter 3. Ecological Processes -- 3A.1 Space and Time Resolution -- 3A.2 Mass Transport -- 3A.3 Mass Balance -- 3A.4 Energetic Factors -- 3A.5 Settling and Resuspension -- 3B.1 Chemical Reaction ...

This book presents an overview of modeling and simulation of environmental systems via diverse research problems and pertinent case studies. It is divided into four parts covering sustainable water resources modeling, air pollution modeling, Internet of Things (IoT) based applications in environmental systems, and future algorithms and conceptual frameworks in environmental systems. Each of the chapters demonstrate how the models, indicators, and ecological processes could be applied directly in the environmental sub-disciplines. It includes range of concepts and case studies focusing on a holistic management approach at the global level for environmental practitioners. Features: Covers computational approaches as applied to problems of air and water pollution domain. Delivers generic methods of modeling with spatio-temporal analyses using soft computation and programming paradigms. Includes theoretical aspects of environmental processes with their complexity and programmable mathematical approaches. Adopts a realistic approach involving formulas, algorithms, and techniques to establish mathematical models/computations. Provides a pathway for real-time implementation of complex modeling problem formulations including case studies. This book is aimed at researchers, professionals and graduate students in Environmental Engineering, Computational Engineering/Computer Science, Modeling/Simulation, Environmental Management, Environmental Modeling and Operations Research.

Simulation models are an established method used to investigate processes and solve practical problems in a wide variety of disciplines. Central to the concept of this second edition is the idea that environmental systems are complex, open systems. The authors present the diversity of approaches to dealing with environmental complexity and then encourage readers to make comparisons between these approaches and between different disciplines. Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity 2nd edition is divided into four main sections: An overview of methods and approaches to modelling. State of the art for modelling environmental processes Tools used and models for management Current and future developments. The second edition evolves from the first by providing additional emphasis and material for those students wishing to specialize in environmental modelling. This edition: Focuses on simplifying complex environmental systems. Reviews current software, tools and techniques for modelling. Gives practical examples from a wide variety of disciplines, e.g. climatology, ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and engineering. 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. This book is suitable for final year undergraduates and postgraduates in environmental modelling, environmental science, civil engineering and biology who will already be familiar with the subject and are moving on to specialize in the field. It is also designed to appeal to professionals interested in the environmental sciences, including environmental consultants, government employees, civil engineers, geographers, ecologists, meteorologists, and geochemists.

The book gives a comprehensive overview of all available types of ecological models. It is the first book of its kind that gives an overview of different model types and will be of interest to all those involved in ecological and environmental modelling and ecological informatics.