This is a thoroughly revised and updated edition of an authoritative introduction to ecological modelling. Sven Erik Jorgensen, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Ecological Modelling, and Giuseppe Bendoricchio, Professor of Environmental Modelling at the University of Padova, Italy, offer compelling insights into the subject. This volume explains the concepts and processes involved in ecological modelling, presents the latest developments in the field and provides readers with the tools to construct their own models.

The Third Edition features:
A detailed discussion and step-by-step outline of the modelling procedure.
An account of different model types including overview tables, examples and illustrations.
A comprehensive presentation of the submodels and unit processes used in modelling.
In-depth descriptions of the latest modelling techniques.
Structured exercises at the end of each chapter.
Three mathematical appendices and a subject index.

This practical and proven book very effectively combines the theory, methodology and applications of ecological modelling. The new edition is an essential, up-to-date guide to a rapidly growing field.

Presents the most commonly used model types with a step-by-step outline of the modeling procedure used for eachShows readers through an illustrated example of how to use each model in research and management settingsNew edition is revised to include only essential theory with a focus on applicationsIncludes case studies, illustrations, and exercises (case study of an ecological problem with full illustration on how to solve the problem)"

Presents readers with an overview of lake management problems and the tools that can be applied to solve probelms. Lake management tools are presented in detail, including environmental technological methods, ecotechnological methods and the application of models to assess the best management strategy.

The book presents a consistent and complete ecosystem theory based on thermodynamic concepts. The first chapters are devoted to an interpretation of the first and second law of thermodynamics in ecosystem context. Then Prigogine's use of far from equilibrium thermodynamic is used on ecosystems to explain their reactions to perturbations. The introduction of the concept exergy makes it possible to give a more profound and comprehensive explanation of the ecosystem's reactions and growth-patterns. A tentative fourth law of thermodynamic is formulated and applied to facilitate these explanations. The trophic chain, the global energy and radiation balance and pattern and the reactions of ecological networks are all explained by the use of exergy. Finally, it is discussed how the presented theory can be applied more widely to explain ecological observations and rules, to assess ecosystem health and to develop ecological models.

The book presents a consistent and complete ecosystem theory based on thermodynamic concepts. The first chapters are devoted to an interpretation of the first and second law of thermodynamics in ecosystem context. Then Prigogine's use of far from equilibrium thermodynamic is used on ecosystems to explain their reactions to perturbations. The introduction of the concept exergy makes it possible to give a more profound and comprehensive explanation of the ecosystem's reactions and growth-patterns. A tentative fourth law of thermodynamic is formulated and applied to facilitate these explanations. The trophic chain, the global energy and radiation balance and pattern and the reactions of ecological networks are all explained by the use of exergy. Finally, it is discussed how the presented theory can be applied more widely to explain ecological observations and rules, to assess ecosystem health and to develop ecological models.

The aim of this book is to encourage integration of the natural and social sciences with the policy and design-making community, and thereby develop a deeper understanding of complex environmental problems. Its fundamental themes are:

integrated modeling and assessment
complex, adaptive, hierarchical systems
ecosystem services
science and decision-making
ecosystem health and human health
quality of life and the distribution of wealth and resources.

This book will act as a state of the art assessment of integrated environmental science and its relation to real world problem solving. It is aimed not only at the academic community, but also as a sourcebook for managers, policy makers, and the informed public. It deals both with the state of the science and the level of consensus among scientists on key environmental issues.

The concepts underlying this book were developed at the 2nd EcoSummit workshop held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June, 2000, with active participation from all delegates, and attempts to present their collective view.
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1. Introduction: Recent Trends in Science. 2. Do We Need a New, Holistic Ecology? 3. Models in Ecology. 4. Energy and Ecology. 5. Entropy and Ecology. 6. Exergy and Ecology. 7. Network and Hierarchial Concepts of Eco-Systems. 8. Utility Theory, Indirect Effect and Ascendency. 9. Catastrophe Theory and Ecology. 10. Chaos, Fractals and Ecology. 11. Dynamic of Ecosystems. 12. A Tentative Pattern of Ecosystem Theories. 13. Epilogue. 14. Appendix 1. Definitions of Concepts. 15. References. Index.