ENGLISH

Towards a Thermodynamic Theory for Ecological Systems

By S.E. Jorgensen , Y.M. Svirezhev

Book information

Publisher
Pergamon
Year
2004
ISBN
0080441661, 9780080441665
LCC
QH541 .J67 2004
Open Library ID
OL3305122M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
3 MB (3556637 bytes)
Edition
1
Pages
361\361
Time added
2011-06-04 13:46:07

Description

The book presents a consistent and complete ecosystem theory based on thermodynamic concepts. The first chapters are devoted to an interpretation of the first and second law of thermodynamics in ecosystem context. Then Prigogine's use of far from equilibrium thermodynamic is used on ecosystems to explain their reactions to perturbations. The introduction of the concept exergy makes it possible to give a more profound and comprehensive explanation of the ecosystem's reactions and growth-patterns. A tentative fourth law of thermodynamic is formulated and applied to facilitate these explanations. The trophic chain, the global energy and radiation balance and pattern and the reactions of ecological networks are all explained by the use of exergy. Finally, it is discussed how the presented theory can be applied more widely to explain ecological observations and rules, to assess ecosystem health and to develop ecological models.

Similar books