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The Thermodynamics of Ecosystems

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The Natural Environment and the Biogeochemical Cycles

Part of the book series: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry ((HEC1,volume 1 / 1E))

Summary

The properties of autonomous Arctic lake ecosystems, within the context of the whole living World, provide the basis for y development of a thermodynamic theory of the biosystem. The biosystem is now undergoing a process of internal reordering. Energy flow is being accelerated at all levels in virtually all ecosystems in order to support increased biomass at the terminal level. The thermodynamic constraints, particularly the need to maintain near-symmetry, impose limits on the capacity of the system to respond. This has important consequences for environmental management.

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    Lionel Johnson

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Johnson, L. (1990). The Thermodynamics of Ecosystems. In: The Natural Environment and the Biogeochemical Cycles. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 1 / 1E. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-39463-1_1

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