Box model: Difference between revisions

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{{otheruses4|the modelling of complex systems|the 3D modelling system|box modeling{{!}}box modelling}}

'''Box models''' are simplified versions of complex systems, reducing them to boxes (or [[reservoir]]s) linked by fluxes. The Thisboxes stateare ofassumed complexityto allowsbe computationalmixed estimateshomogeneously. Within a given box, the concentration of theira steady''species'' state(e.g. toa besolute) attainedis therefore uniform. However, the abundance of a species within a realisticgiven box may vary as a function of time due to the input to (or loss from) the box or due to the production, consumption or decay of this species within the timescalebox.

Simple box models, i.e. box model with a small number of boxes whose properties (e.g. their volume) do not change with time, are often useful to derive analytical formulas describing the dynamics and steady-state abundance of a species. More complex box models are usually solved using numerical techniques.

They are used extensively in studies of [[ocean circulation]] and the [[carbon cycle]].<ref name=Sarmiento1984>{{cite journal

TheyBox models are used extensively to model environmental systems or ecosystems and in studies of [[ocean circulation]] and the [[carbon cycle]].<ref name=Sarmiento1984>{{cite journal

| author = Sarmiento, J.L.

| coauthors = Toggweiler, J.R.