The global environment is a complex mix of interlinked processes, about which observation can tell us a great deal. But how can we use current observation to model future events, or to predict the consequences of scenarios that don't yet exist? Environmental Modelling: An Introduction shows how modelling can be used to explain experimental observations, and how these observations - and the data gathered - can be extrapolated to help us understand new environments and processes, and to solve environmental problems. The book begins by explaining why modelling is such a powerful experimental tool, before walking the reader through the process of constructing a model - what the key considerations are, and how different models should be used to probe different types of problem. It then illustrates how models are actively applied, before introducing a series of case studies to show how modelling has been used in real environmental and ecological studies. Accompanied by an extensive Online Resource Centre to support active, hands-on learning on the part of the student, Environmental Modelling: An Introduction is the ideal resource for any student who needs to develop a working understanding of modelling, and how to apply modelling in their own research. Online Resource Centre: - Figures from the book available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation - Interactive spreadsheets to encourage learning through hands-on experience

1. Introduction; 2. Model Development; 3. Model Evaluation; 4. Application of Models; 5. Environmental and Ecological Models in the Real World

Jo SmithReader in Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Modelling, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Pete SmithProfessor of Soils and Global Change, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen