Modeling - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 197

predictions as to future changes can be made [15].
7.9. WHOLE PLANET MODEL
Koziol and Pudykiewicz have developed a model that is global in nature. It focuses on
organic pollutants and uses hexachlorocyclohexane as a model organic compound. The
model incorporates interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. In
terms of the hydrosphere, it includes ice and snow. In terms of the lithosphere, it includes
soil. All three of these are important because they are responsible for sorption of organic
components, some of which are released later. The release of previously sorbed
components is important to include in modeling because it will complicate modeling and
sampling. Verification of this model can be done by sampling. It is a particularly useful
model in that it takes into account all the components of the entire environment [16].
7.10. CONCLUSIONS
All types of models—physical, mathematical, chemical, statistical, dynamic, computer,
and whole Earth—can be useful in a sampling situation. Such models can predict the fate
of components in the environment. They can indicate the most important places and how
often sampling should be carried out. Such models can be useful in explaining sampling
strategies to both regulatory agencies and interested parties, including the general public.
Implementation of a modeling program can be very beneficial to any sampling project.
QUESTIONS
1. Describe two different types of physical models of the environment and tell what
characteristics they best model.
2. Discuss the advantages of quantification vs. qualification in sampling.
3. Explain the concept of evapotranspiration and how it can affect sampling.
4. What types of chemical phenomena are used in modeling the chemical activity of
components of the environment?
5. Simple mathematical models are often based on statistics. Explain.
6. Explain why computer models are useful in environmental modeling and relate this
to sampling.
7. There are two basic landscape models. What are they and how does each account for
the movement of soil and pollution?