The discipline of Integrated Environmental Modelling (IEM) has developed in order to solve complex environmental problems, for example understanding the impacts of climate change on the physical environment. IEM provides methods to fuse or link models together, this in turn requires facilities to make models discoverable and also to make the outputs of modelling easily visualized. The vision and challenges for IEM going forward are summarized by leading proponents. Several case studies describe the application of model fusion to a range of real-world problems including integrating groundwater and recharge models within the UK Environment Agency, and the development of ‘catastrophe’ models to predict better the impact of natural hazards. Communicating modelling results to end users who are often not specialist modellers is also an emerging area of research addressed within the volume. Also included are papers that highlight current developments of the technology platforms underpinning model fusion.
The complex and multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems requires that they are dealt with in an integrated manner. Modeling and software have become key instruments used to promote sustainability and improve environmental decision processes, especially through systematic integration of various knowledge and data and their ability to foster learning and help make predictions. This book presents the current state-of-the-art in environmental modeling and software and identifies the future challenges in the field. State-of-the-art in environmental modeling and software theory and practice for integrated assessment and management serves as a starting point for researchers Identifies the areas of research and practice required for advancing the requisite knowledge base and tools, and their wider usage Best practices of environmental modeling enables the reader to select appropriate software and gives the reader tools to integrate natural system dynamics with human dimensions
In the mid 1980's - while a student at the department of econometrics at the Free University - I became an assistant at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IvM) of this university. My main task was assisting with the com putational aspects of the project 'an integrated environmental model: a case study in the Markiezaat area'. A number of methodological problems were for mulated during the operationalization phase of that project, such as the need to develop systematically an integrated model design and to look for means of handling different sources of information. Prof. Dr. P. Nijkamp of the Department of Regional Economics and Drs. L. Hordijk - at that time leader of the economic-technological research group at the IvM - therefore initiated a project proposal to be supported by the Netherlands Organisation for the Advancement of Pure Research (ZWO). Meanwhile I became an assistant to Prof. Dr. P. Nijkamp, surveying qualita ti ve statistical developments in the field of regional inequa li ty analysis. This inventory has been shown to be a relevant basis for the preparation of this book. In spring 1982 I began working at IvM on the above project on integrated environmental modelling.
Many large mathematical models, not only models arising and used in environmental studies, are described by systems of partial differential equations. The discretization of the spatial derivatives in such models leads to the solution of very large systems of ordinary differential equations. These systems contain many millions of equations and have to be handled over large time intervals by applying many time-steps (up to several hundred thousand time-steps). Furthermore, many scenarios are as a rule to be run. This explains the fact that the computational tasks in this situation are enormous. Therefore, it is necessary to select fast numerical methods; to develop parallel codes and, what is most important when the problems solved are very large to organize the computational process in a proper way.The last item (which is very often underestimated but, let us re-iterate, which is very important) is the major topic of this book. In fact, the proper organization of the computational process can be viewed as a preparation of templates which can be used with different numerical methods and different parallel devices. The development of such templates is described in the book. It is also demonstrated that many comprehensive environmental studies can successfully be carried out when the computations are correctly organized. Thus, this book will help the reader to understand better that, while (a) it is very important to select fast numerical methods as well as (b) it is very important to develop parallel codes, this will not be sufficient when the problems solved are really very large. In the latter case, it is also crucial to exploit better the computer architecture by organizing properly the computational process. Use of templates in connection with the treatment of very large models Performance of comprehensive environmental studies Obtaining reliable and robust information about pollution levels Studying the impact of future climatic changes on high pollution levels Investigating trends related to critical levels of pollution
Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1 Introduction to Modeling the Transport and Transformation of Contaminants in the Environment Chapter 2 Nature of Environnemental Polluants Chapter 3 Inter-Media Contaminant Transfer: Equilibrium Analysis Chapter 4 Kinetics of Inter-media Chapter 5 Transport Fundamentals Chapter 6 Overview of Numerical Methods in Environmental Modeling Chapter 7 Overview of Probabilistic Methods and Tools for Modeling Chapter 8 Models of Transport in Air Chapter 9 Models of Transport in Individual Media: Soil and Groundwater Chapter 10 Models of Transport in Surface Water Chapter 11 Atmospheric Transformation and Loss Processes Chapter 12 Modeling Chemical Transformations in Water Chapter 13 Exposure and Risk Assessment Chapter 14 Tools for Evaluation, Analysis and Optimization of Environmental Models Index.
Introduces various modeling and simulation methods and paradigms that are used to explain and solve the predominant challenges facing society Handbook of Real-World Applications in Modeling and Simulation provides a thorough explanation of modeling and simulation in the most useful, current, and predominant applied areas of transportation, homeland security, medicine, operational research, military science, and business modeling. Offering a cutting-edge and accessible presentation, this book discusses how and why the presented domains have become leading applications of modeling and simulation techniques. Contributions from leading academics and researchers integrate modeling and simulation theories, methods, and data to analyze challenges that involve technological and social issues. The book begins with an introduction that explains why modeling and simulation is a reliable analysis assessment tool for complex systems problems. Subsequent chapters provide an orientation to various modeling and simulation methods and paradigms that are used to explain and solve the predominant challenges across real-world applied domains. Additionally, the handbook: Provides a practical one-stop reference on modeling and simulation and contains an accessible introduction to key concepts and techniques Introduces, trains, and prepares readers from statistics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, economics, and business to use modeling and simulation in their studies and research Features case studies that are representative of fundamental areas of multidisciplinary studies and provides a concise look at the key concepts of modeling and simulation Contains a collection of original ideas on modeling and simulation to help academics and practitioners develop a multifunctional perspective Self-contained chapters offer a comprehensive approach to explaining each respective domain and include sections that explore the related history, theory, modeling paradigms, and case studies. Key terms and techniques are clearly outlined, and exercise sets allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material. Handbook of Real-World Applications in Modeling and Simulation is an essential reference for academics and practitioners in the areas of operations research, business, management science, engineering, statistics, mathematics, and computer science. The handbook is also a suitable supplement for courses on modeling and simulation at the graduate level.
Demonstrates the successful application of fuzzy systems modeling to real-world environmental and health problems In Fuzzy Systems Modeling in Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an up-to-date collection of the most successful and innovative attempts to apply fuzzy logic to problems involving environmental risk assessment, healthcare decision-making, the management of water distribution networks, and the optimization of water treatment and waste management systems. By explaining both the theoretical and practical aspects of using fuzzy systems modeling methods to solve complex problems, analyze risks and optimize system performance, this handy guide maintains a strongly application-oriented perspective throughout, offering readers a practical treatment of a cutting-edge subject. Readers will also find: Comprehensive explorations of the practical applications of fuzzy systems modeling in hydrogeology and environmental science Practical advice on environmental quality assessments and human health risk analyses In-depth case studies involving air and water pollution, solid waste, indoor swimming pool and landfill risk assessments, wastewater treatment, and more Perfect for environmental engineers and scientists, hydrogeologists and geologists, Fuzzy Systems Modeling in Environmental and Health Risk Assessment will also benefit policy makers, mathematicians, theoretical hydrologists, and researchers and practitioners interested in applying soft computing theories to environmental problems.
Future Sustainable Ecosystems: Complexity, Risk, Uncertainty provides an interdisciplinary, integrative overview of environmental problem-solving using statistics. It shows how statistics can be used to solve diverse environmental and socio-economic problems involving food, water, energy scarcity, and climate change risks. It synthesizes interdisciplinary theory, concepts, definitions, models and findings involved in complex global sustainability problem-solving, making it an essential guide and reference. It includes real-world examples and applications making the book accessible to a broader interdisciplinary readership. Discussions include a broad, integrated perspective on sustainability, integrated risk, multi-scale changes and impacts taking place within ecosystems worldwide. State-of-the-art statistical techniques, including Bayesian hierarchical, spatio-temporal, agent-based and game-theoretic approaches are explored. The author then focuses on the real-world integration of observational and experimental data and its use within statistical models.
