Open AccessFrom concept to practice to policy: modeling coupled natural and human systems in lake catchments
Author(s) -
Cobourn Kelly M.,
Carey Cayelan C.,
Boyle Kevin J.,
Duffy Christopher,
Dugan Hilary A.,
Farrell Kaitlin J.,
Fitchett Leah,
Hanson Paul C.,
Hart Julia A.,
Henson Virginia Reilly,
Hetherington Amy L.,
Kemanian Armen R.,
Rudstam Lars G.,
Shu Lele,
Soranno Patricia A.,
Sorice Michael G.,
Stachelek Jemma,
Ward Nicole K.,
Weathers Kathleen C.,
Weng Weizhe,
Zhang Yu
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
ecosphere
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.255
H-Index - 57
ISSN - 2150-8925
DOI - 10.1002/ecs2.2209
Subject(s) - human systems engineering , environmental resource management , discipline , conceptual model , computer science , natural (archaeology) , scope (computer science) , ecosystem services , environmental science , management science , ecology , ecosystem , geography , engineering , sociology , social science , archaeology , database , artificial intelligence , biology , programming language
Recent debate over the scope of the U.S. Clean Water Act underscores the need to develop a robust body of scientific work that defines the connectivity between freshwater systems and people. Coupled natural and human systems ( CNHS ) modeling is one tool that can be used to study the complex, reciprocal linkages between human actions and ecosystem processes. Well‐developed CNHS models exist at a conceptual level, but the mapping of these system representations in practice is limited in capturing these feedbacks. This article presents a paired conceptual–empirical methodology for functionally capturing feedbacks between human and natural systems in freshwater lake catchments, from human actions to the ecosystem and from the ecosystem back to human actions. We address extant challenges in CNHS modeling, which arise from differences in disciplinary approach, model structure, and spatiotemporal resolution, to connect a suite of models. In doing so, we create an integrated, multi‐disciplinary tool that captures diverse processes that operate at multiple scales, including land‐management decision‐making, hydrologic‐solute transport, aquatic nutrient cycling, and civic engagement. In this article, we build on this novel framework to advance cross‐disciplinary dialogue to move CNHS lake‐catchment modeling in a systematic direction and, ultimately, provide a foundation for smart decision‐making and policy.