Complex Systems Modeling with Cellular Automata and Genetic Algorithms: An Application to Lava Flows

摘要

Cellular Automata are parallel computational models which are capable to give rise to heterogeneous emergent behaviors notwithstanding simple local rules of evolution. In this review paper, a methodology for modeling complex natural systems through Macroscopic Cellular Automata is presented and applied to lava flow simulation. In particular, the 2001 Mt. Etna volcano Nicolosi (Italy) case study has been considered for model calibration, while the validation has been performed by considering further cases of study, which differ both in duration and emission rate. Parameter optimization was carried out by a Parallel Master-Slave Genetic Algorithm. Results have confirmed both the goodness of the simulation model and of the calibration algorithm. Eventually an application related to Civil Defense purposes is briefly described and proposed as a development.