The Dynamics of Tides and Climate

Abstract

We refer in our discussion of computer models in environmental sciences mainly to two examples, which we consider illustrative and useful for demonstrating our line of reasoning. The first case is the tides. They represent within limits a clear-cut, well-understood almost classical physical system. Its understanding has resulted in numerous important societal applications. The second case is climate. It is considerably more complex. It comprises not only physics but also various other natural sciences such as geology or ecology. It is under the influence of significant nonlinearities and stochasticity and can hardly be considered a classical system. Its functioning is not yet fully understood. Results from studies of climate have excited various societal responses. Different from the tides, these results are not only of technical nature but are often loaded with controversial economic and behavioral implications.