Towards a thermodynamic theory for ecological systems /
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...
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| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Language Notes: | English. |
| Published: |
Amsterdam ; Boston :
Elsevier,
2004.
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| Edition: | 1st ed. |
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| Online Access: | Connect to the full text of this electronic book |
| Summary: | 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. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (xiv, 366 pages) : illustrations (some color) |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 355-366). |
| ISBN: | 9780080471747 0080471749 1280967862 9781280967863 9786610967865 6610967865 |