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Books in Environmental physics

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Entropy Principle for the Development of Complex Biotic Systems

  • 1st Edition
  • January 19, 2012
  • Ichiro Aoki
  • English
  • Paperback
    9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 2 8 2 3 2 - 1
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 3 9 4 4 0 4 - 7
The concept of entropy in thermodynamics is a complex one, though it is fundamental in understanding physics, the workings of the mind, and biology. Entropy is the measure of the quality of energy, and it can also refer to the turn from order to disorder or randomness in isolated systems. In open systems, such as biology, entropy is formulated in terms of production and energy flow. This book establishes a novel view of complex biological systems and the earth using this concept of entropy, encompassing the interdisciplinary area of biology, ecology and physics. This book considers the development over time of a range of biologically complex systems such as plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems, describing them in terms of the second law of thermodynamics, entropy. With its broad coverage of biological systems, this book will be useful for students of environmental science as well as students in biology and physics.

Principles of Environmental Physics

  • 3rd Edition
  • October 25, 2007
  • John Monteith + 1 more
  • English
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 9 2 4 7 9 - 3
Environmental Physics concerns the description and analysis of physical processes that establish the conditions in which all species of life survive and reproduce. The subject involves a synthesis of mathematical relations that describe the physical nature of the environment and the many biological responses that environments evoke. Environmental Physics provides a basis for understanding the complex responses of plants and animals to environmental change.International concern with climate change has made both politicans and the general public much more aware of the impact of local and global weather on all aspects of domestic life, industry and commerce. Environmental Physics has become more widely used by biologists, atmospheric scientists and climate modellers to specify interations between surfaces and the atmosphere. This new edition contains further material on causes of global warming, applications of remote sensing, and the carbon and water cycles of crops and forests.