Environmental Modelling Question Paper

Environmental Modelling

Course:Bachelor Of Environmental Studies

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2009

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2008/2009
SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR
OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ENS 407:
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING

DATE: Tuesday, 25th August, 2009

TIME: 8.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer question ONE and any other THREE questions.
1.
a)
i)
Define the term model.

ii)
As an environmental scientist, explain why you would apply
models to your research work.

(8 marks)
b)
Explain the significance of model prediction as a management tool.
(5 marks)

c)
Describe forcing functions, with some examples, as applied to model
applications.
(3
marks)
c)
Explain data calibration and its importance in model applications.
(3 marks)

e)
Define the following terms and briefly discuss their influences on
population density change:
i)
Carrying capacity
ii)
Inhibition
(6 marks)

Page 2 of 3
2.
a)
Suppose that you have been contracted to carry out an ecological
assessment of a game park with application of models, explain the steps
that you would take up to the model implementation stage. (10 marks)
b)
Discuss the various ways that you can parameterize or model.
(5 marks)

3.
a)
From the flow diagram below, write down suitable conceptual model
equations of the four state variables. The arrows represent: (1) = net
nitrogen uptake of algae; (2) = zooplankton grazing, (3) = zooplankton
faeces production (4) = zooplankton excretion (5) = zooplankton
mortality, (6) = detritus mineralisation.

(9 marks)

b)
Briefly explain the following:
i)
Patch models
ii)
Landscape models
iii)
Cellular automaton models
(6 marks)

Page 3 of 3
4.
a)
You have been asked to carry out an ecological audit and submit your
report to NEMA. Suggest the reasons why you may find it useful to
apply GIS and modeling in your assessment.

(6 marks)
b)
Explain
phase-plane
analysis
(3
marks)

c)
What is model sensitivity and how is it evaluated?
(3 marks)

d)
Briefly explain model verification and how it may be assessed

(3 marks)

5.
a)
Describe model state variables

(4 marks)

b)
Why are boundary conditions important in model implementation?

(3 marks)

c)
Explain the significance of spatial and temporal scales in the
implementation of ecological models.

(8 marks)

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