Moffatt,I., "A Conceptual Framework for Modelling the Dynamics of Environmental Systems", 1985
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A conceptual framework for modelling the dynamics of environmental systems is presented. It is argued that apparently stable systems can evolve via bifurcation when critical thresholds are exceeded. When a system is forced further away from equilibrium dissipative structures emerge. These dissipative structures are characterized by stochastic, non-linear feedback mechanisms which have the capacity to transform an apparently stable environmental system into a relatively more complex one which evolves. Some examples of these structures are simulated using system dynamics and the implications for further research are discussed.