Sequential optimization of integrated climate change models

A sequential optimization approach is applied to optimize the behavior of a complex dynamical system. It sequentially solves a large set of mathematic al equations and next optimizes the behavior of a reduced-system, fixing ce rtain variables of the larger original problem. These two steps are repeate d till convergence occurs. The approach is applied to the problem of identi fying response strategies for climate change caused by antropogenic emissio ns of different trace gases. The convergence properties are analyzed for th is example. (C) 2001 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.