Systems studied in environmental science, due to their structure and the heterogeneity of the entities composing them, often exhibit complex dynamics that can only be captured by hybrid modeling approaches. While several concurrent definitions of “hybrid modeling” can be found in the literature, it is defined here broadly as the approach consisting in coupling existing modelling paradigms to achieve a more accurate or efficient representation of systems. The need for hybrid models generally arises from the necessity to overcome the limitation of a single modeling technique in terms of structural flexibility, capabilities, or computational efficiency. This book brings together experts in the field of hybrid modelling to demonstrate how this approach can address the challenge of representing the complexity of natural systems. Chapters cover applied examples as well as modeling methodology.
The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods for Social-Ecological Systems provides a synthetic guide to the range of methods that can be employed in social-ecological systems (SES) research. The book is primarily targeted at graduate students, lecturers and researchers working on SES, and has been written in a style that is accessible to readers entering the field from a variety of different disciplinary backgrounds. Each chapter discusses the types of SES questions to which the particular methods are suited and the potential resources and skills required for their implementation, and provides practical examples of the application of the methods. In addition, the book contains a conceptual and practical introduction to SES research, a discussion of key gaps and frontiers in SES research methods, and a glossary of key terms in SES research. Contributions from 97 different authors, situated at SES research hubs in 16 countries around the world, including South Africa, Sweden, Germany and Australia, bring a wealth of expertise and experience to this book. The first book to provide a guide and introduction specifically focused on methods for studying SES, this book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainability science, environmental management, global environmental change studies and environmental governance. The book will also be of interest to upper-level undergraduates and professionals working at the science–policy interface in the environmental arena.
Environmental modelling has enjoyed a long tradition, but there is a defined need to continually address both the power and the limitations of such models, as well as their quantitative assessment. This book showcases modern environmental modelling methods, the basic theory behind them and their incorporation into complex environmental investigations. It highlights advanced computing technologies and how they have led to unprecedented and adaptive modelling, simulation and decision-support tools to study complex environmental systems, and how they can be applied to current environmental concerns. This volume is essential reading for researchers in academia, industry and government-related bodies who have a vested interest in all aspects of environmental modelling. Features include: A range of modern environmental modelling techniques are described by experts from around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and Thailand; many examples from air, water, soil/sediment and biological matrices are covered in detail throughout the book; key chapters are included on modelling uncertainty and sensitivity analysis; and, a selection of figures are provided in full colour to enable greater comprehension of the topics discussed.
This book examines the digital transformation of identity in the age of artificial intelligence. It articulates the nature of identity of human beings, based on cutting-edge knowledge in the field of AI and big-data sciences, and discusses identity by drawing on comprehensive investigations in digital social sciences and exploring wider disciplines related to philosophy, ethics, sociology, STS, computer sciences, engineering, and medical sciences. Reviewing contemporary conditions proliferated by advanced technological trends and unveiling social mechanisms of human identity, this book appeals to undergraduate and graduate students as well as academic researchers.
Advances in Applied Mechanics, Volume 55 in this ongoing series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on topics such as Towards stochastic multi-scale methods in continuum solid mechanics, Fracture in soft elastic materials: Continuum description, molecular aspects and applications, Bio-Chemo-Mechanical Coupling Models of Soft Biological Materials: A Review, Viscoelasticity and cell swirling motion, Model selection and sensitivity analysis in the biomechanics of soft tissues: A case study on the human knee meniscus, Oncology and mechanics: Landmark studies and promising clinical. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Advances in Applied Mechanics series - Edited by some of the best scientists in the field
In this authoritative book, leading international experts examine the use of scenario analyses and modelling in environmental assessments. Including chapters with a global or regional focus as well as in-depth case studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, contributors analyse the latest research on the applications of scenarios and models and explore the opportunities and challenges in using them for policy relevant research and action.
A new approach to the fast-developing world of neural hydrological modelling, this book is essential reading for academics and researchers in the fields of water sciences, civil engineering, hydrology and physical geography. Each chapter has been written by one or more eminent experts working in various fields of hydrological modelling. The b
The book discusses comprehensive and cutting-edge research and development endeavors, as well as innovative solutions, in implementing AI and related technologies to meet and undertake current and future challenges towards ensuring environmental sustainability. It explores the future research directions in the era of Industry 4.0. In the beginning, an overview of the utilization of Al for environmental sustainability is provided. The remaining chapters of the book cover the technological and application aspects of Al for environmental sustainability with illustrative examples. Finally, challenges with respect to deploying Al to solving environmental problems and the future trends are covered.
Advanced Modelling Techniques Studying Global Changes in Environmental Sciences discusses the need for immediate and effective action, guided by a scientific understanding of ecosystem function, to alleviate current pressures on the environment. Research, especially in Ecological Modeling, is crucial to support the sustainable development paradigm, in which the economy, society, and the environment are integrated and positively reinforce each other. Content from this book is drawn from the 2013 conference of the International Society for Ecological Modeling (ISEM), an important and active research community contributing to this arena. Some progress towards gaining a better understanding of the processes of global change has been achieved, but much more is needed. This conference provides a forum to present current research using models to investigate actions towards mitigating and adapting to change. - Presents state-of-the-art modeling techniques - Drawn from the 2013 conference of the International Society for Ecological Modeling (ISEM), an important and active research community contributing to this arena - Integrates knowledge of advanced modeling techniques in ecological and environmental sciences - Describes new applications for sustainability
This book brings together a representative set of Earth System Science (ESS) applications of the neural network (NN) technique. It examines a progression of atmospheric and oceanic problems, which, from the mathematical point of view, can be formulated as complex, multidimensional, and nonlinear mappings. It is shown that these problems can be solved utilizing a particular type of NN – the multilayer perceptron (MLP). This type of NN applications covers the majority of NN applications developed in ESSs such as meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric and oceanic satellite remote sensing, numerical weather prediction, and climate studies. The major properties of the mappings and MLP NNs are formulated and discussed. Also, the book presents basic background for each introduced application and provides an extensive set of references. “This is an excellent book to learn how to apply artificial neural network methods to earth system sciences. The author, Dr. Vladimir Krasnopolsky, is a universally recognized master in this field. With his vast knowledge and experience, he carefully guides the reader through a broad variety of problems found in the earth system sciences where neural network methods can be applied fruitfully. (...) The broad range of topics covered in this book ensures that researchers/graduate students from many fields (...) will find it an invaluable guide to neural network methods.” (Prof. William W. Hsieh, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) “Vladimir Krasnopolsky has been the “founding father” of applying computation intelligence methods to environmental science; (...) Dr. Krasnopolsky has created a masterful exposition of a young, yet maturing field that promises to advance a deeper understanding of best modeling practices in environmental science.” (Dr. Sue Ellen Haupt, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, USA) “Vladimir Krasnopolsky has written an important and wonderful book on applications of neural networks to replace complex and expensive computational algorithms within Earth System Science models. He is uniquely qualified to write this book, since he has been a true pioneer with regard to many of these applications. (...) Many other examples of creative emulations will inspire not just readers interested in the Earth Sciences, but any other modeling practitioner (...) to address both theoretical and practical complex problems that may (or will!) arise in a complex system." ” (Prof. Eugenia Kalnay, University of Maryland, USA)
