Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Oct 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008georl..3520404k&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 35, Issue 20, CiteID L20404
Mathematics
Logic
18
Hydrology: Hydrological Cycles And Budgets (1218, 1655), Hydrology: Hydrologic Scaling, Hydrology: Evapotranspiration
Scientific paper
The water balance on land plays a critical role in connecting key hydrological processes with climate and ecology. Over the last few years, several advances have been made in applying thermodynamic and optimality approaches to better describe Earth system processes in general, and the water balance on land in particular. Both concepts relate to the proposed principle of Maximum Entropy Production (MEP), which states that complex systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium organize in a way such that the rate of entropy production-a measure of irreversibility-is maximized in steady state. MEP provides a foundation to understand optimality in hydrology at a fundamental, thermodynamic level that is applicable across a wide range of Earth systems beyond hydrology. This review describes the foundation of the water balance far from thermodynamic equilibrium and potential applications of MEP. Some of the objections to optimality and thermodynamics are discussed as well as its potential implications.
Kleidon Axel
Schymanski Stan
No associations
LandOfFree
Thermodynamics and optimality of the water budget on land: A review does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Thermodynamics and optimality of the water budget on land: A review, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thermodynamics and optimality of the water budget on land: A review will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1701987