1997 Volume 106 Issue 5 Pages 739-744
The model concept and the role of modeling were reviewed in the context of geological sciences. Modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing and understanding natural phenomena. Any model should be presented in a quantitative way, so that it may be tested and evaluated with reference to observational data sets. The role of quantitative models may be summarized as follows : (1) A model provides tools for measuring the nature in terms of well defined physical parameters, (2) It provides means for evaluating relative importance among conceivable elementary processes in a complex phenomenon. (3) It provides a theoretical basis for experimental planning and natural observations.