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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 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.
Lake and Reservoir Management
Presents readers with an overview of lake management problems and the tools that can be applied to solve probelms. Lake management tools are presented in detail, including environmental technological methods, ecotechnological methods and the application of models to assess the best management strategy.
Thermodynamics and Ecological Modelling
Thermodynamics is used increasingly in ecology to understand the system properties of ecosystems because it is a basic science that describes energy transformation from a holistic view. In the last decade, many contributions to ecosystem theory based on thermodynamics have been published, therefore an important step toward integrating these theories and encouraging a more wide spread use of them is to present them in one volume. An ecosystem consists of interdependent living organisms that are also interdependent with their environment, all of which are involved in a constant transfer of energy and mass within a general state of equilibrium or dis-equilibrium. Thermodynamics can quantify exa...
Integration of Ecosystem Theories: A Pattern
Ecosystems are still a puzzle for mankind. We would like to be able to know their reactions and control them, but repeatedly we have been surprised by their unexpected reactions to our somewhat hasty actions. We unfortunately have to admit that our present knowledge about ecosystems and their true nature is rather limited. Many excellent contributions to a more profound understanding of ecosystems have been launched during the last two decades, but if you do not know the field, it looks as if all the presented ecosystem theories are in complete discord with each other. However, ecosystems are extremely complex and only a pluralistic view will be able to reveal their basic properties. The different approaches therefore have much in common, when you go deeper into the core material, than the first superficial more glance will be able to tell and there is therefore a natural need for a unification of the various approaches to ecosystem theories. It has for many years been my desire to attempt to make a unification of the many excellent thoughts, ideas and observations about ecosystems, that scientists have contributed. These thoughts, ideas and hypotheses have not been made in vain.
Thermodynamics and Ecological Modelling
Thermodynamics is used increasingly in ecology to understand the system properties of ecosystems because it is a basic science that describes energy transformation from a holistic view. In the last decade, many contributions to ecosystem theory based on thermodynamics have been published, therefore an important step toward integrating these theories and encouraging a more wide spread use of them is to present them in one volume. An ecosystem consists of interdependent living organisms that are also interdependent with their environment, all of which are involved in a constant transfer of energy and mass within a general state of equilibrium or dis-equilibrium. Thermodynamics can quantify exa...
Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling
This book is a completely revised version of the 1986 edition. It is considerably expanded and is accompanied by a diskette with modeling programmes. The work presents a general introduction to the rapidly growing field of ecological and environmental modeling. Its aim is to give on the one hand an overview of the field and on the other to teach the reader to develop his own models. These objectives are met by covering the following points: discussion of the modeling procedure in detail and presentation of the development of models step by step; presentation of most model types by use of theory, overview tables on applications, complexity, examples and illustrations; presentation of both simple and complex models; and a ready available software, that contains several small models the reader can use for training in the elementary steps of modeling. Furthermore, the individual chapters can be read independently, which renders it feasible to tailor the book to any course in ecological and environmental modeling.
Ecodynamics
This book contains a series of outstanding contributions on ecodynamics that appeared in limited editions before the emergence of the International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics, which has now become the primary focus for this area of research.The aim of ecodynamics is to relate ecosystems to evolutionary thermodynamics, which can lead to appropriate solutions for sustainable development. The contributions published in this volume relate to all aspects of ecosystems and sustainable development, ranging from physical sciences to economics and epistemology.The world of ecosystems has been dominated by the towering personality of Ilya Prigogine to whom this volume is dedicated. The...
Principles of Environmental Science and Technology
Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1981, it has been widely used as a textbook at university level for graduate courses in environmental management, environmental science and environmental technology (for non-engineers). As this second edition is significantly improved, it should find an even wider application than the first.In the second edition, the section on ecotoxicology and effects on pollutants has been expanded considerably, as has Chapter 4 on ecological principles and concepts. Further improvement has been made by the addition of a section on ecological engineering - the application of ecologically sound technology in ecosystems - and an appendix on environmental examination of chemicals. The problems of agricultural waste have been included in Part B, and in Chapter 6 on waste water treatment, several pages have been added about non-point sources and the application of ``soft'' technology. Throughout the book, more examples, questions and problems have been included, and several figures and tables have been added to better illustrate the text.
Sustainable Urban Environments
The urban environment – buildings, cities and infrastructure – represents one of the most important contributors to climate change, while at the same time holding the key to a more sustainable way of living. The transformation from traditional to sustainable systems requires interdisciplinary knowledge of the re-design, construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment. Sustainable Urban Environments: An Ecosystem Approach presents fundamental knowledge of the built environment. Approaching the topic from an ecosystems perspective, it shows the reader how to combine diverse practical elements into sustainable solutions for future buildings and cities. You’ll learn to con...
Restoring land and soil health to ensure sustainable and resilient agriculture in the Near East and North Africa region
The report is part of a series of background papers prepared within the context of the development of the the Near East and North Africa Region of the State of Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW) in the Near East and North Africa Region. The paper reflects on the status of soil degradation and fertility loss, the drivers that put pressure on soils and land in the region, the responses to address the pressing issues leveraging existing technical knowledge, as well as tools for assessment and monitoring.
