Book Summary of Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change by William H. Schlesinger
Citation:
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, William H. Schlesinger, (California: Academic Press Inc., 1991), 351pp.
This Book Summary written by: Conflict Research Consortium Staff
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, is an in depth
examination of the processes, reactions and global cycles of energy,
chemicals and nutrients on the planet. It offers a secure
foundation from which to pursue particular global change topics with
greater specificity.
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change is required reading
for EPOB 4170/5170 as taught by Professor Tim Seastedt. The work is divided
into two parts: processes and reactions, and global cycles. The first
part will be of interest to those who require a careful and comprehensive
explanation of the origins and essential constituents of the components of
earth. Schlesinger offers, in the introduction, a brief review of the principles
of thermodynamics and an explanation of cycles in biogeochemistry
and presents his model of the earth as a biogeochemical system. The
introduction is followed by an overview of the origins of the earth. He
discusses: the origins of the elements, the solar system and the earth.
Schlesinger moves through: an explanation of the primitive atmosphere and ocean,
the origin of life and the evolution of metabolic pathways to a
comparative planetary history.
The next three chapters address in turn: the atmosphere, the lithosphere
and the terrestrial biosphere. The author considers: the structure and
composition of, aerosols in, biochemical reactions in, and
decomposition of, the atmosphere. He offers for consideration, models
of the atmosphere and global climate. The chapter on the lithosphere
addresses rock weathering, and soil chemical reactions and development. The
examination of the terrestrial biosphere is focused on: photosynthesis,
net primary production, decomposition and soil
organic matter.
The next four chapters address biogeochemical cycling both on land
and in aquatic systems. Cycling on land concentrates on: biogeochemical
and nutrient cycling in land plants, biogeochemical cycling
in the soil and the role of both fire and animals in these processes. Cycling
in water sees an examination of: redox potential in natural
environments, the biogeochemistry of terrestrial wetlands and
the primary production and nutrient cycling in lakes. A
careful examination of rivers and estuaries, and the sea covers the essentialbiogeochemical
processes of these water-bodies.
The second part is devoted to global cycles and will be beneficial
to those who seek an understanding of particular cycles and anthropogenic
changes in those cycles. The water cycle is examined
through a discussion of: its history, models of the hydrologic cycle
and how the water cycle might look in the future under several different
scenarios. The carbon cycle is viewed in its modern form and the
temporal aspects of it are explored. The levels of carbon monoxide, and
atmospheric methane are examined prior to the author's explanation of
the link between the carbon and oxygen cycles. The nitrogen
and phosphorous cycles are examined independently and as linked
cycles. The final cycle examined is the sulphur cycle.
Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change is a comprehensive
examination of the terrestrial and atmospheric components which are affected by
global change. The end of each chapter contains a recommended reading
list and the text is followed by a seventy page bibliography which will prove
most useful to the serious investigator. This work does not, however, contain a
glossary which would be a useful addition for those lacking a solid scientific
background.
|
