Developing Student Understanding of Complex Systems in the Geosciences
"Complex systems are those with many strongly interdependent variables. This excludes systems with only a few effective variables, the kind we meet in elementary dynamics. It also excludes systems with many independent variables; we learn how to deal with them in elementary statistical mechanics. Complexity appears where coupling is important, but doesn't freeze out most degrees of freedom." (Boccara, 2004)
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HideProjected changes (based on 10 IPCC AR-4 GCM models run with the SRES- A1B forcing scenario) in the spatial distribution and integrated annual area of optimal polar bear habitat. Base map shows the cumulative number of months per decade where optimal polar bear habitat was either lost (red) or gained (blue) from 2001–2010 to 2041–2050. Offshore gray shading denotes areas where optimal habitat was absent in both periods. Insets show the average annual (12 months) cumulative area of optimal habitat (right y-axis, line plot) for four 10-year periods in the 21st century (x-axis midpoints), and their associated percent change in area (left y axis, histograms) relative to the first decade (2001–2010).
The study of complex systems in the geosciences encompasses a broad range of topics, including the interactions of the various "spheres" (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere), cycles (e.g. the carbon cycle and the hydrologic cycle), feedback loops, and chaotic and fractal behavior within earth systems (such as coastlines, drainage networks, climate, and earthquakes). The dynamic, non-linear behavior inherent in complex systems poses particular challenges for teaching and learning.
Upcoming Workshop
We'll be holding a workshop April 18-20, 2010 at Carleton College, in Northfield, MN. See the workshop website for details and a link to the application form.
Resources for Teaching About Complex Systems
- Courses with a focus on complex systems, contributed by geoscience faculty members
- Teaching activities for the classroom and lab, contributed by geoscience faculty members
- Visualizations: graphics, animations, and videos
- References: books, journal articles, and other references about complex systems in the geosciences or about teaching complex systems thinking.
- Do you have a resource (book, article, visualization, or other) to recommend? Please share a resource.
