Understanding the Earth System

by Ehlers, Eckart; Krafft, Thomas

• ISBN13: 9783540675150
• ISBN10: 3540675159
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-08-01
• Publisher: Springer Nature

Summary

'Understanding the Earth System' aims to contribute to the timely discussion on Global Change of the Earth system. The discussion centers around the synthesis of procedures effecting both the natural and social sciences. The concept of Earth System Analysis, although controversially discussed, will be the focus of future scientific programs related to Global Change. The main problems are overpopulation, water shortages and climate change.

Table of Contents

Part I Panorama: The Earth System: Analysis from Science and the Humanities
Understanding the Earth System - From Global Change Research to Earth System Science	3	(14)
E. Ehlers
T. Krafft
Earth System Analysis and Management	17	(40)
H.-J. Schellnhuber
The Earth System: A Physiological Perspective	57	(14)
P. Liss
The Earth System: An Anthropogenic Perspective	71	(10)
R. Wolfrum
Man's Place in Nature - Past and Future	81	(16)
H. Markl
Part II Focus: Water in the Earth System: Availability, Quality and Allocation in Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives
Global Alteration of Riverine Geochemistry under Human Pressure	97	(18)
M.-H. Meybeck
Integrated Management of Water Resources	115	(10)
J. Dooge
The Challenge of Global Water Management	125	(14)
C. Jaeger
Part III Perspective: Advancing our Understanding: Reductionist and/or Integrationist Approaches to Earth System Analysis
Understanding Climate Variability: A Prerequisite for Predictions and Climate Change Detection	139	(8)
H. Grassl
Earth System Models	147	(16)
M. Claussen
Climate System and Carbon Cycle Feedback	163	(16)
P. Friedlingstein
Global Climate Change and Economic Analysis	179	(16)
G. Klepper
From Nature-Dominated to Human-Dominated Environmental Changes	195	(14)
B. Messerli
M. Grosjean
Th. Hofer
L. Nunez
Ch. Pfister
Part IV Appendix: Working Group Reports
Water Quality and Health Risks	209	(14)
T. Kistemann
M. Exner
Urban Thirst for Water and Priorities for Action	223	(22)
S. Aggarwal
Modeling Water Availability: Scaling Issues	245	(11)
N. Van de Giesen
L. J. Mata
P. Doll
A. Hoekstra
M. Pfeffer
J. A. Ramirez
Precipitation Variability & Food Security	256	(9)
T. Downing
F. Karanja
S. Karrouk
F. Zaal
M. Salih
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Freshwater: Availability, Quality, and Allocation	265	(10)
A. M. Ernst
W. Mauser
S. Kempe
Water Deficiency and Desertification	275	(6)
P. L. G. Vlek
D. Hillel
J. C. Katyal
W. Seiler
Subject Index	281