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Synthesis of System Dynamics Tools for Holistic Conceptualization of Water Resources Problems

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Abstract

Out-of-context analysis of water resources systems can result in unsustainable management strategies. To address this problem, systems thinking seeks to understand interactions among the subsystems driving a system’s overall behavior. System dynamics, a method for operationalizing systems thinking, facilitates holistic understanding of water resources systems, and strategic decision making. The approach also facilitates participatory modeling, and analysis of the system’s behavioral trends, essential to sustainable management. The field of water resources has not utilized the full capacity of system dynamics in the thinking phase of integrated water resources studies. We advocate that the thinking phase of modeling applications is critically important, and that system dynamics offers unique qualitative tools that improve understanding of complex problems. Thus, this paper describes the utility of system dynamics for holistic water resources planning and management by illustrating the fundamentals of the approach. Using tangible examples, we provide an overview of Causal Loop and Stock and Flow Diagrams, reference modes of dynamic behavior, and system archetypes to demonstrate the use of these qualitative tools for holistic conceptualization of water resources problems. Finally, we present a summary of the potential benefits as well as caveats of qualitative system dynamics for water resources decision making.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0725636. The authors appreciate comments and suggestions from F. Nasiri, J. Zimmerman, V. Fuchs, F. Boschetti, and two anonymous reviewers. All opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this material are solely those of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI, 49931-1295, USA

    Ali Mirchi & David Watkins Jr.

  2. Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32816-2450, USA

    Kaveh Madani

  3. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4015, USA

    Sajjad Ahmad

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  1. Ali Mirchi
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Correspondence to David Watkins Jr..

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Mirchi, A., Madani, K., Watkins, D. et al. Synthesis of System Dynamics Tools for Holistic Conceptualization of Water Resources Problems. Water Resour Manage 26, 2421–2442 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-012-0024-2

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