A model/simulator to explore the Gaia hypothesis and the concepts of albedo and hysteresis through the example of daisies (living organisms) and their interaction with temperature (climatic factor).
Students will configure the distribution of black daisies and white daisies, the albedo for each of these daisy colors, and the solar luminosity, and they will run the simulation. They will observe and discuss the effects of these parameters on the population of each daisy type and on the temperature.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
Explain the Gaia hypothesis by using the Daisyworld simulation.
How do human activities such as burning fossil fuels or causing pollution affect the Gaia hypothesis in the Daisyworld model?
If the world has only white daisies, what is the effect on the climate?
If the world has only black daisies, what is the effect on the climate?
After observing the simulation for different parameter configurations, discuss and explain “hysteresis” for the Daisyworld system.
About the Tool
Tool Name
Daisyworld Model in Netlogo
Discipline
Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Biological Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline
Daisyworld; GAIA Hypothesis; Planetary Energy Balance; Albedo; Climate and Biosphere
Climate Topic
Climate and the Biosphere, Planetary Climate, Planetary Energy Balance
Type of Tool
Model/Simulator
Grade Level
Undergraduate
Location
Global
Language
English
Translation
Developed by
Novak, M. and Wilensky, U
Hosted at
Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling, Northwestern University
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