Randomness is ubiquitous in nature. Random drivers are generally considered a source of disorder in environmental systems. However, the interaction between noise and nonlinear dynamics may lead to the emergence of a number of ordered behaviors (in time and space) that would not exist in the absence of noise. This counterintuitive effect of randomness may play a crucial role in environmental processes. For example, seemingly 'random' background events in the atmosphere can grow into larger instabilities that have great effects on weather patterns. This book presents the basics of the theory of stochastic calculus and its application to the study of noise-induced phenomena in environmental systems. It will be an invaluable reference text for ecologists, geoscientists and environmental engineers interested in the study of stochastic environmental dynamics.

This book examines various mathematical toolsa "based on generalized collocation methodsa "to solve nonlinear problems related to partial differential and integro-differential equations. Covered are specific problems and models related to vehicular traffic flow, population dynamics, wave phenomena, heat convection and diffusion, transport phenomena, and pollution.

Based on a unified approach combining modeling, mathematical methods, and scientific computation, each chapter begins with several examples and problems solved by computational methods; full details of the solution techniques used are given. The last section of each chapter provides problems and exercises giving readers the opportunity to practice using the mathematical tools already presented. Rounding out the work is an appendix consisting of scientific programs in which readers may find practical guidelines for the efficient application of the collocation methods used in the book. Although the authors make use of MathematicaA(R), readers may use other packages such as MATLABA(R) or MapleTM depending on their specific needs and software preferences.

Generalized Collocation Methods is written for an interdisciplinary audience of graduate students, engineers, scientists, and applied mathematicians with an interest in modeling real-world systems by differential or operator equations. The work may be used as a supplementary textbook in graduate courses on modeling and nonlinear differential equations, or as a self-study handbook for researchers and practitioners wishing to expand their knowledge of practical solution techniques for nonlinear problems.

Randomness is ubiquitous in nature. Random drivers are generally considered a source of disorder in environmental systems. However, the interaction between noise and nonlinear dynamics may lead to the emergence of a number of ordered behaviors (in time and space) that would not exist in the absence of noise. This counterintuitive effect of randomness may play a crucial role in environmental processes. For example, seemingly 'random' background events in the atmosphere can grow into larger instabilities that have great effects on weather patterns. This book presents the basics of the theory of stochastic calculus and its application to the study of noise-induced phenomena in environmental systems. It will be an invaluable reference text for ecologists, geoscientists and environmental engineers interested in the study of stochastic environmental dynamics.