Definition of Term: Forcing Input

A dynamic simulator models a process that is evolving, usually in time. Many dynamic simulators have forcing inputs that specify external influences on the process that vary in time. In order to simulate the evolution of the process at each point in time, the simulator must take account of the values of the forcing inputs at that time point.

Example: A simulator of water flow through a river catchment will have forcing inputs that specify the rainfall over time. Humidity may be another forcing input, since it will govern the rate at which water in the catchment evaporates.