Frame modelling of dynammic ecosystems

[摘要] This thesis develops the theoretical basis of the qualitative frame based modelling technique,a paradigm recently proposed by Starfield for the modelling of ecosystems with a multiplicityof stable states. This technique is a refinement of the State-and- Transition conceptual modelof Westoby et al which involves the division of the ecosystem dynamics into a catelog ofstable 'states' and a suite of transitions between these states. The frame models of Starfieldassociate with each stable configuration of the ecosystem a qualitative rule based model forthe key processes in that stable configuration.The aims of this thesis are the following,1. A rigorous definition of frame modelling of dynamic ecosystems is proposed, and thistheoretical foundation is used to demonstrate that qualitative frame models may be used tomode! dynamic ecosystems to an arbitrary accuracy.2. The development of implementation software. A qualitative rule based frame modellingenvironment is presented. and a specification for an improved environment is proposed basedon the theoretical work.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand