Thermodynamic Foundations of the Earth System

Axel Kleidon leads a research group in Biospheric Theory and Modelling at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany. He uses thermodynamics to quantify natural energy conversions within the Earth system and their limits, and applies this approach to understand atmosphere-biosphere interactions, Earth system responses to global change, and the natural limits of renewable energy.

• Preface; List of symbols; 1. Thermodynamics and the Earth system; 2. Energy and entropy; 3. The first and second law of thermodynamics; 4. Thermodynamic limits; 5. Dynamics, structures, and maximization; 6. Radiation; 7. Motion; 8. Hydrologic cycling; 9. Geochemical cycling; 10. Land; 11. Human activity; 12. The thermodynamic Earth system; Glossary; References; Index.

'Examines what goes on in the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, geosphere and biosphere from the perspective of energy and entropy flows. Kleidon draws on a wide range of research to help clarify in quantitative detail how thermodynamics shapes the entire Earth system, and, in particular, how humanity has come to play a central role in the Earth's physics … This important book fills a crucial gap by drawing out the implications of the second law of thermodynamics for the whole Earth system.' Mark Buchanan, Nature Physics