Chapter 6 - Application of Structurally Dynamic Models (SDMs)

Abstract

Abstract The model type, denoted structurally dynamic model (SDM), is presented. SDM is able to account for adaptation and shifts in species composition. SDM can be developed either by use of expert knowledge or by use of a goal function. The latter is the main focus of the chapter and as goal function is proposed to use work energy of the ecosystem. The theoretical background for the development of SDMs by use of the goal function, work energy, is briefly presented and it is furthermore shown how an SDM can be developed stepwise. An overview of several developed SDMs using work energy as goal function will be given, followed by one SDM example to illustrate more concretely the applicability of this model type. SDM seems to be a proper model type to apply for description of the ecosystem changes resulting from the foreseen global warming. We have not yet calibrated and validated a model of this application of SDMs, because it would require that we have observations of structural changes due to global warming and such observations are not yet available, but in this chapter it has been examined how climate changes for three population dynamic models will alter the work energy. The examination has indicated for the three applied population dynamic models that SDMs using work energy as goal function seems applicable for description of ecosystem changes due to global warming.