Energy in Nature and Society : General Energetics of Complex Systems

by Smil, Vaclav

• ISBN13: 9780262195652
• ISBN10: 0262195658
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-01-31
• Publisher: Mit Pr

Summary

Energy in Nature and Societyis a systematic and comprehensive analysis of all the major energy sources, storages, flows, and conversions that have shaped the evolution of the biosphere and civilization. Vaclav Smil uses fundamental unifying metrics (most notably for power density and energy intensity) to provide an integrated framework for analyzing all segments of energetics (the study of energy flows and their transformations). The book explores not only planetary energetics (such as solar radiation and geomorphic processes) and bioenergetics (photosynthesis, for example) but also human energetics (such as metabolism and thermoregulation), tracing them from hunter-gatherer and agricultural societies through modern-day industrial civilization. Included are chapters on heterotrophic conversions, traditional agriculture, preindustrial complexification, fossil fuels, fossil-fueled civilization, the energetics of food, and the implications of energetics for the environment. The book concludes with an examination of general patterns, trends, and socioeconomic considerations of energy use today, looking at correlations between energy and value, energy and the economy, energy and quality of life, and energy futures. Throughout the book, Smil chooses to emphasize the complexities and peculiarities of the real world, and the counterintuitive outcomes of many of its processes, over abstract models. Energy in Nature and Societyis a broad and unique, csingle-volume analysis and reference source on all important energy matters, from natural to industrial energy flows, from fuels to food, from the Earth's formation to possible energy futures, and can serve as a text for courses in energy studies, global ecology, earth systems science, biology, and chemistry.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
The Universal Link	p. 1
Energetics, Energy, and Power
Evolution of Energetics	p. 2
From Aristotle to Einstein
Approaches to Understanding	p. 12
Concepts, Variables, Units
Planetary Energetics	p. 23
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Sun: The Star and Its Radiation	p. 24
Energy Balance of the Earth	p. 29
Radiation and Fluxes
Hydrosphere and Atmosphere	p. 36
Thermal and Mass Fluxes
Water and Air in Motion	p. 39
Kinetic Fluxes
Geoenergetics: Heat, Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes, Earthquakes	p. 47
Photosynthesis	p. 61
Bioenergetics of Primary Production
Photosynthetic Pathways	p. 62
Global Primary Productivity	p. 69
Productivities of Ecosystems and Plants	p. 74
Phytomass Stores	p. 78
Autotrophic Scaling	p. 84
Heterotrophic Conversions	p. 89
Consumer Bioenergetics
Metabolic Capabilities	p. 90
Ectotherms and Endotherms	p. 97
Locomotion	p. 102
Biomass and Productivites	p. 110
Heterotrophs in Ecosystems	p. 113
Human Energetics	p. 119
People as Simple Heterotrophs
Energy Sources and Basal Metabolism	p. 120
Requirements and Uncertainties	p. 125
Thermoregulation	p. 131
Limits of Human Performance	p. 134
Gathering, Hunting, and Fishing	p. 139
Traditional Food Production	p. 147
Humans as Solar Farmers
Extensive Practices	p. 149
Permanent Cropping	p. 152
Muscles, Implements, Machines	p. 155
Cropping Intensification	p. 161
Traditional Argricultures	p. 166
Preindustrial Complexification	p. 173
Prime Movers and Fuels in Traditional Societies
Animate Power	p. 174
Human and Animal Muscles
Water and Wind	p. 180
Wheels and Millls
Phytomass Fuels and Metallurgy	p. 188
Wood, Charcoal, Crop Residues
Construction: Methods and Structures	p. 192
Transportation: Roads and Ships	p. 196
Fossil Fuels	p. 203
Heat, Light, and Prime Movers
Coals: The Earliest Modern Fuels	p. 206
Hydrocarbons: Crude Oil and Natural Gases	p. 210
From Extraction to Combustion	p. 217
Modern Fossil Fuel Industries
Mechanical Prime Movers	p. 228
Engines and Turbines
Fossil-Fueled Electricity	p. 235
Generation and Transmission
Fossil-Fueled Civilization	p. 241
Patterns and Trends
Fuels and Fossil-Fueled Electricity	p. 242
Energy Production and Trade
Nonfossil Contributions	p. 247
Biomass and Primary Electricity
Global Consumption Patterns	p. 257
Growth and Inequality
Qualitative Changes	p. 264
Transitions and Efficiencies
Energy Conservation	p. 268
Gains and Rebounds
Energy Costs	p. 273
Energy Cost of Energy: Net Gains	p. 276
Basic Materials	p. 281
From Concrete to Fertilizers
Structures and Products	p. 288
From Buildings to Computers
Crops and Animal Foods	p. 291
Subsidized Diets
Modern Food System	p. 300
Gains, Costs, Efficiencies
Environmental Consequences	p. 307
Metabolism of Fossil-Fueled Civilization
Power Densities	p. 308
Energy and Land
Energy Conversions and Heat Rejection	p. 315
Energy and Water	p. 320
Energy and the Atmosphere	p. 324
Interference in Grand Biospheric Cycles	p. 327
Energetic Correlates	p. 335
Complexities of High-Energy Civilization
Energy and the Economy	p. 335
Energy and Value	p. 341
Energy and the Quality of Life	p. 346
Energy and War	p. 351
Energy and the Future	p. 356
Grand Patterns	p. 365
Energetic and Other Essentials
Energy in the Biosphere	p. 366
Energy and Civilization	p. 372
The Challenges Ahead	p. 380
Appendix	p. 389
Selected Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols	p. 399
References	p. 401
Name Index	p. 461
Subject Index	p. 463
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.