CRC Press Simulation of Ecological and Environmental Models

Given the importance of interdisciplinary work in sustainability, Simulation of Ecological and Environmental Models introduces the theory and practice of modeling and simulation as applied in a variety of disciplines that deal with earth systems, the environment, ecology, and human–nature interactions. Based on the author’s many years of teaching graduate and undergraduate students in the United States, Spain, and Latin America, the textbook shows how to implement simulations and analyze the results using an open-source software platform. Learn How to Use a Broad Range of Environmental ModelsThe textbook is organized into three parts to allow greater flexibility using the material in various countries and types of curricula. The first part provides a tutorial-style mathematical review and a gentle introduction to the basics of R software. The second part explains the fundamentals of modeling methodology through one-dimensional models. After a review of matrix algebra, the third part progresses to multidimensional models, focusing on structured populations, communities, and ecosystems. The final chapters show how simple models are hooked together to generate more comprehensive models.Build from Fundamental Concepts to Problem SolvingEach chapter starts with conceptual and theoretical material to give a firm foundation in how the methods work. Examples and exercises illustrate the applications and demonstrate how to go from concepts to problem solving. Hands-on computer sessions let students grasp the practical implications and learn by doing. Throughout, the computer examples and exercises use seem, an open-source R package developed by the author, which lets students quickly produce simulations and explore the effects of changing conditions in the model.This practical book is a comprehensive, unified presentation of ecological and environmental m Review "Professor Acevedo's considerable experience in teaching graduate-level courses in environmental modeling has been nicely captured in this excellent and accessible textbook. He covers the field in sufficient breadth to introduce the student to virtually all aspects of environmental modeling, with sufficient depth to convey both the theory and practicality of each topic. This book particularly excels in its hands-on approach, guiding students through its many exercises and computer sessions so that understanding of each topic is achieved, and the student is provided with the tools necessary to delve further into developing and applying quantitative models for environmental studies. Professor Acevedo's book challenges students to think through not only the what and the how of modeling, but also the why. Thus, he has successfully achieved his central objective, to present a unified method of teaching that is commensurate with the interdisciplinary and quantitative approaches required today to study and understand complex ecological systems."―Mark A. Harwell, Harwell Gentile & Associates, LC, Port Orange, Florida, USA"Acevedo’s new text for environmental simulation is a welcome addition to those now available. The text is based on R (a package of models accompanies the book), and this choice makes it a useful option. The presentation is aimed at classes for early graduate students in the environmental sciences and engineering, but the rigor and hands-on nature of the advanced chapters are complemented by still advanced but accessible introductions to the necessary math and modeling concepts. Courses taught with this text will be challenging, potentially fun, and a great jump-start in environmental simulation for grad students."―George P. Malanson, University of Iowa, USA About the Author Miguel F. Acevedo has 38 years of academic experience, the last 20 of these as faculty member of the University of North Texas (UNT). His career has been interdisciplinary, especially at the interface of science and engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in