Environmental Modelling - Finding Simplicity In Complexity 2E

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. Now thoroughly revised and updated the second edition of this successful and well respected text book is an indispensible aid to all Environmental modelling students.

This book 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.

Key Features:

‧ Focuses on simplifying complex environmental systems

‧ Reviews current software, tools and techniques for modeling

‧ Includes 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.

John Wainwright is Professor in the Department of Geography at Durham University.
Mark Mulligan is Reader within the Dept of Geography at King's College, London.