A guide to mathematical models used in steam electric power plant environmental impact assessment

The purpose of the guide is to provide the beginner or layman with a basic, nontechnical, and nonmathematical introduction to the principal types of mathematical models currently used as aids for predicting the environmental impacts of thermal power plant operation. Its objectives are to provide a general overview of the modeling approach to impact prediction; to identify the principal kinds of problems to which modeling is applied; and to explain what models are, why they are used, how they work, what data they require, what they predict, how to interpret results, and how to recognize the limitations and uncertainties associated with these results.