Complexity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-005920",
  "term": "Complexity",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The opposite of simplicity. Complex systems tend to have a large number of variables, multiple parts, mathematical equations of a higher order, and are more difficult to solve. In relation to computer models, complexity generally refers to the level in difficulty in solving mathematically posed problems as measured by the time, number of steps or arithmetic operations, or memory space required (called time complexity, computational complexity, and space complexity, respectively).\n\n2. The opposite of simplicity. Complex systems tend to have a large number of variables, multiple parts, and mathematical equations of a higher order, and to be more difficult to solve. Used to describe computer models, “complexity” generally refers to the level in difficulty in solving mathematically posed problems as measured by the time, number of steps or arithmetic operations, or memory space required (called time complexity, computational complexity, and space complexity, respectively).",
  "subject": "Policy and guidance",
  "references": [
    "Modeling Glossary",
    "EPA Guidance on the Development, Evaluation and Application of Environmental Models EPA/100/K-09/003 | March 2009 at http://www.epa.gov/crem/library/cred_guidance_0309.pdf"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/complexity/"
}