Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics and the Production of Entropy: Life, Earth, and Beyond

by Axel Kleidon (Editor), Ralph D. Lorenz (Editor)

Overview

The present volume studies the application of concepts from non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a variety of research topics. Emphasis is on the Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle and applications to Geosphere-Biosphere couplings. Written by leading researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, the book presents a first coherent account of an emerging field at the interface of thermodynamics, geophysics and life sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783642061356
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	12/01/2010
Series:	Understanding Complex Systems
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2005
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

Entropy Production by Earth System Processes.- Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics in an Energy-Rich Universe.- Stumbling Into the MEP Racket: An Historical Perspective.- Maximum Entropy Production and Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics.- Using Ecology to Quantify Organization in Fluid Flows.- Cosmological and Biological Reproducibility: Limits on the Maximum Entropy Production Principle.- Entropy Production in Turbulent Mixing.- Entropy Production of Atmospheric Heat Transport.- Water Vapor and Entropy Production in the Earth's Atmosphere.- Thermodynamics of the Ocean Circulation: A Global Perspective on the Ocean System and Living Systems.- Entropy and the Shaping of the Landscape by Water.- Entropy Production in the Planetary Context.- The Free-Energy Transduction and Entropy Production in Initial Photosynthetic Reactions.- Biotic Entropy Production and Global Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions.- Coupled Evolution of Earth's Atmosphere and Biosphere.- Temperature, Biogenesis and Biospheric Self-Organization.- Entropy and Gaia: Is there a Link Between MEP and Self-Regulation in the Climate System?- Insights from Thermodynamics for the Analysis of Economic Processes.