Modeling of Environmental Processes

Modeling is the stage when data are transferred into information required for environmental management. Thus, it constitutes an essential component of the decision making process. In recent years, the adoption of integrated approaches to environmental management has also changed the way environmental models are structured and employed. A good example for this development is the case of hydrologie models which evolved from simple models simulating individual processes in a basin to the current comprehensive watershed models of an integrated nature. This chapter reviews the evolution of environmental models particularly for the case of hydrologie and watershed models. The currently used models are reviewed with respect to their purpose and content. Finally, the future of modeling is evaluated in consideration of current environmental problems and expected solutions.