Chapter 19 Neural network applications in coastal ecological modeling

Publisher Summary This chapter describes some applications of neural networks (NN) to modeling processes in coastal ecology to demonstrate the potential of this approach and to identify some of its limitations. Neural networks is introduced as computational tools, providing a general and accessible description of their main features. Dynamic modeling in coastal ecosystems is being advocated and is placed on steady state models because they are the most common NN ecological applications in coastal ecosystems. A comparison between conventional, dynamic models and neural networks is outlined using some phytoplankton biomass models for a coastal embayment as examples. The state-of-the-art in neural network modeling is discussed, as well as some perspectives in their future development. Useful links to neural network resources are also presented in chapter.