THE LAKE ECOSYSTEM SIMULATION PROGRAM

The computer program LAKE simulates a shallow lake ecosystem. The prog ram is based on a mathematical model. In the model the most important aspects of several models for water resources management are integrate d (Collins and Wlosinski, 1988; Jorgensen, 1976; Jorgensen et al., 197 8; Scheffer, 1988). Furthermore, the model describes several ecologica l processes that have not yet been described by lake-ecosystem models so far. In the computer program, the mathematical model and an advance d, object oriented, user interface are combined. Following this approa ch the use of the original research models was extended to a use for t he purpose of teaching lake ecology. We suggest that the same approach may be followed to open research models to other groups concerned wit h water resources management, such as management authorities, industry , agricultural extension, nature conservation and recreation.