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===== CST-317: Introduction to Earth System Science Modelling =====

Professors: [[http://www.dpi.inpe.br/gilberto|Gilberto Câmara]], Pedro Andrade Neto

Lecture hours in classroom: 22 lectures of two hours each
Level: PhD

=== Outline ===

Earth System Science is an interdisciplinary area that deals with the different aspects of interaction between society and nature. At the broadest level, Earth System Science models deal with natural systems (Climate, Ecosystems, Biogeochemical cycles, Hydrology) and its interaction with society  (Economics, Sociology, Energy, Agriculture, Urbanisation, Demographics). Since Earth System Science covers a broad area of expertise, this course covers the basic fundamentals of nature-society interactions, by describing some of the foundational models in the area. 

The course covers three main areas of expertise: (a) System Dynamics; (b) Environmental spatially-explicit models; (c) Social simulation. In the first part, we cover the basis of systems dynamics, following the Donella Meadows book, which is a good introduction to the field. In the second, we draw on some examples from the book of Andrew Ford ("Modelling the Environment"). In the third part, we focus on agent-based modelling, taking some examples from the literature (such as the Sugarscape model). 

Considering the broad nature of the field, the course does not require a background on Natural Sciences. It tries to present the basics of modelling through examples taken from the literature. 

=== Motivação ===

//"The biggest problem with models is the fact that they are made by
humans who tend to shape or use their models in ways that mirror their
own notion of what a desirable outcome would be."// (John Firor, formed director of NCAR, cited in Myanna Lahsen's paper "Seductive Simulations".  

//There are certain similarities between a work of ﬁction and a model: Just as we may wonder how much the characters in a novel are drawn
from real life and how much is artiﬁce, we might ask the same of a model; How much is based on observation and measurement of accessible
phenomena, how much is based on informed judgment, and how much is convenience? // (Naomi Oreskes, professor of History of Science, also cited by Myanna Lahsen).

//“A model is clear, decisive, and positive, but it is believed by no one but the man who created it. Observations, on the other hand, are messy, inexact things, which are believed by everyone except the man who did that work”.// Harlow Shapley, American astronomer

Conclusion: to understand what models are, a scientist needs to be able to develop models himself. He needs to master computer programs that allow him to grasp the basics of modelling activity.  He needs to be understand the different techniques used in modelling and their limitations.

===== Software =====

To build the models, we will use the TerraME software. The software are supporting material are available at the  [[http://www.terrame.org |  TerraME site]].

===== References =====

  * Thinking in Systems, Donella Meadows, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008.
  * Modeling the Environment (2nd edition), Andrew Ford. Island Press, 2010. 
  * Dynamic Modeling of Environmental Systems, Michael L. Deaton & James J. Winebrake. Springer, 2000.
  * Simulation for the Social Scientist, Nigel Gilbert & Klaus Troitzsch, Open University Press, 2005.
  * Evolutionary Dynamics: Exploring the Equations of Life, Martin A. Nowak, Harvard University Press, 2006.
  * Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life, John H. Miller & Scott Page, Princeton University Press, 2007.

===== Course 2014 =====
  * [[cst-317:classes2014 | Classes 2014 ]]

===== Course 2013 =====
  * [[cst-317:aulas2013 | Classes 2013 ]]
 
===== Course 2012 =====
  * [[cst-317:aulas2012 | Classes 2012 ]]
  * [[cst-317:projetos2012 | Final Projects 2012 ]]
 
===== Course 2011 =====
  * [[cst-317:aulas2011 | Classes 2011 ]]
 
===== Course 2010 =====
  * [[cst-317:aulas2010 | Classes 2010 ]]
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