Definition of the Subject
System dynamics is a methodology for studying and managing complex systems whichchange over time. The method uses computer modeling to focus our attention on the informationfeedback loops that give rise to the dynamicbehavior. Computer simulation is particularly useful when it helps us understand the impact oftime delays and nonlinearities in the system. A variety of modeling methods can aid themanager of complex systems. Coyle (p. 2 in [3]) puts the system dynamics approach in perspective whenhe describes it as that “branch of control theory which deals with socio‐economic systems, and that branch ofmanagement science which dealswith problems of controllability.” The emphasis on controllability can be traced to theearly work of Jay Forrester [9] and hisbackground in control engineering [10]. Coyle highlighted controllability again in thefollowing, highly pragmatic definition:
System dynamics is a method of analyzing problems in which time is an important...
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Notes
- 1.
“Wait and see” may be supported by an analysisof the hydrology of the basin, but it does not necessarily make sense when considering thelong delays in the political and managerial process to change water export.
- 2.
The shocks could take the form of changes in oceanmortalities, changes in harvesting and changes in the migration mortalities. These shocks areexternal to the boundary of this model, so one is reminded of Coyle's definition of systemdynamics. That is, the model helps us understand how the salmon population could withstand theshocks which fall upon it from the out-side world.
Abbreviations
- CO2 :
-
Carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas. Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are created largely by the combustion of fossil fuels.
- CGCM:
-
Coupled general circulation model, a climate model which combines the atmospheric and oceanic systems.
- GCM:
-
General circulation model, a term commonly used to describe climate models maintained at large research centers.
- GHG:
-
GHG is a greenhouse gas such as CO2 and methane. These gases contribute to global warming by capturing some of the outgoing infrared radiation before it leaves the atmosphere.
- GT:
-
Gigaton, a common measure of carbon storage in the global carbon cycle. A GT is a billion metric tons.
- IPCC:
-
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was formed in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environmental Program. It reports research on climate change. Their assessments are closely watched because of the requirement for unanimous approval by all participating delegates.
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Ford, A. (2009). System Dynamics Models of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. In: Meyers, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30440-3_541
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