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.

Review

it was a pleasure to read it and appreciate new concepts and ideas. ...that publishing houses are giving enough space to bringing multidisciplinary areas to the attention of readers, excellent example being the book reviewed.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY, 2005

E. Tiezzi
The post-scriptum is an excellent summary of the laws of the ecosystem theory. The book is highly recommendable to all scientists and young researchers interested in the new scientific paradigm of evolutionary thermodynamics.
Ecological Modelling, 2005

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