Research Engineer, Ecohydrodynamicist, US Geological Survey

With ever-increasing computational power and 3D modeling capability, it is becoming increasingly tempting to turn to complex numerical models to address questions of aquatic ecosystem function, health and management. However, many of the practical questions we face are fundamental, and may be best addressed by ultra-simple models, at least as a start. Using examples from the San Francisco Bay-Delta, California, I will illustrate how simple mathematical models can provide relevant, timely insights into ecosystem function and urgently needed guidance for ecosystem managers. On the other hand, I will also discuss more complex numerical models and provide examples of how only detailed models can capture site-specific, fine-grained physical-biological interactions that sometimes have large implications. Such complex models are necessary if we want to quantitatively describe and, especially, predict behavior in aquatic ecosystems.

Lisa Lucas is a research engineer and, hydrologist and ecohydrodynamicist for the U.S. Geological Survey, consulting associate professor for Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University