ABSTRACT

Computer simulation involves constructing a representation (or 'model') of a phenomenon and then using a computer to run the model to its logical and

Land Reconstruction and Management Vol. 3, 2004, pp 149-166 ISBN 1-57808-295-1 Science Publishers, Inc., Enfield, USA

mathematical conclusions. Recent advances in computing power have enabled rapid processing of large data sets, leading to the burgeoning use of computer simulation in a wide range of fields, such as climatology (e.g. Gates et al., 1998), chemical engineering (e.g. Alvfors and Svedberg, 1992), medicine (e.g. Sali et al., 1994) and even computer rendering of weathered surfaces (for example Dorsey et al., 1999). However, perhaps due to the traditional separation between software engineering and experimental weathering science, and to the highly specialised nature of both fields, researchers in the field of rock weathering have yet to take full advantage of this new technology.