Environmental Modelling Using Cloud Computing Tools: Case Studies and Examples

Cloud computing represents an emerging computing paradigm, which offers delivering a variety of computing services in a way that has not been experienced previously. In order to develop advanced simulations, environmental modelling must be adapted to this more powerful and efficient computing tool. Traditional model calculations are taken into the sphere of interconnected data and more accessible software tools, which rationalize the way they manage their resources. Moreover, information systems such as GIS, and case-oriented software tools for data pre-processing and visualization can be accessible for a wide range of users participating in research projects. In order to document distribution of environmental models through cloud-computing tools, a few model studies focused on environmental pollution are included in the presentation. A wide community of users can directly manage environmental models and case analyses dealing with monitoring of air pollution, prediction of surface water pollution, waste management, noise assessment, and biomonitoring. The attached case studies are focused on modelling of surface water pollution, spatio-temporal analysis of air pollution data and modelling of the surface of a coal mine. The factors affecting the quality of the environment include particularly the impacts of industrial sites, residential areas, agricultural management, automobile traffic, water and energy management, waste management and sustainable land use. The former regime prior to 1989 managed the urban environment in a manner that greatly increased the burden. The attached model studies demonstrate the use of cloud-computing tools for spatio-temporal analysis and modelling using data that are spatially distributed as well as temporally related. This tool can support decision-making processes in the areas of interest and indicate potential solutions for similar regions.