This approach always needs a very good reality check, which tells us how good our conceptual model is. The relatively new science of chaos and the mathematics of fractals shows how very rich and complex behavior and patterns can sometimes be captured in very simple equations. Fuzzy logic allows us to work with incomplete knowledge more consistently and precisely, and incomplete knowledge often characterizes complex systems. An important realization is that one individual does not have the mental capacity to understand these systems in their totality - they are just to big and complex. A team approach crossing disciplinary boundaries is required.
Team work is critical to environmental science.
This includes hunches, inspirations, eureka moments and more. It comes from immersion in and intense familiarity with a system and subconscious analytic capacity we don't fully understand. Need to abandon the academic tribalism. This page may be used for non-profit educational purposes. For any other use please contact me.