Applied Mathematics for Environmental Problems

This volume features contributions from the ICIAM minisymposium, showcasing mathematical models for wildfire spread, fire-spotting behavior, wind shear hazards during flights, and the environmental impact of oil reservoirs.

Applied Mathematics for Environmental Problems compiles a selection of papers presented at the Applied Mathematics for Environmental Problems minisymposium during the International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM) held in Valencia, Spain, from July 15-19, 2019. This collection showcases the intersection of mathematics and environmental issues, highlighting innovative approaches to complex problems.

The first paper introduces a simplified model for wildfire spread, utilizing partial differential equations and finite element methods integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This model serves as a practical tool for predicting wildfire behavior, enhancing our understanding and management of such natural disasters. The subsequent paper delves into fire-spotting, a phenomenon that contributes to the unpredictable nature of wildfires. By employing a statistical approach, it aims to shed light on this critical aspect of wildfire dynamics.

Further contributions address other significant environmental challenges. One paper focuses on low-level wind shear, a serious hazard during aircraft operations. It proposes an experimental alert system based on predictions from the Harmonie-Arome model. Finally, the book examines the environmental implications of oil reservoirs, presenting a high-order hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin formulation combined with advanced numerical techniques to tackle flow problems in porous media. Collectively, these contributions exemplify the vital role of mathematics and numerical modeling in addressing pressing environmental concerns.