Principles and Techniques in the Environmental Sciences – serie

Computerised Environmental Modelling A Practical Introduction Using Excel J. Hardisty, D. M. Taylor and S. E. Metcalfe The University of Hull, UK The study of the environment is currently developing into a rigorous and demanding analytical science that requires the use of sophisticated environmental models. The increasing demand for graduates trained to deal with complex environmental issues gives rise to the problem of how environmental modelling should be taught. Computerised Environmental Modelling, which is based upon an existing undergraduate course, addresses this problem by presenting a readable (and tested) introduction to the subject through an easy to use software environment. Simple numerical models taught through widely available spreadsheets do away with the need for language-specific training. Students now no longer need to program before they can model. Divided into three sections, the book first deals with the general principles of environmental systems modelling, then with a series of examples that familiarise the reader with the use of spreadsheets (in particular with Excel). Finally a set of new and topical environmental models are presented, including ocean, meteorological, hydrological, and extinction models. A supplementary disk, which holds all the programs discussed in the text, can be purchased upon request by returning the reply card at the back of the book. Both the disk and the text will greatly benefit all undergraduates who would like to acquire a comprehensive understanding of environmental modelling techniques.