Presenters-0461: Difference between revisions

From CSDMS
(Created page with "{{Presenters temp |CSDMS meeting event title=CSDMS 2020: Linking Ecosphere and Geosphere |CSDMS meeting event year=2020 |CSDMS meeting presentation type=Invited oral presentat...")
 
No edit summary
Line 28: Line 28:
{{Presenters additional material
{{Presenters additional material
|Working group member=Ecosystem Dynamics Focus Research Group
|Working group member=Ecosystem Dynamics Focus Research Group
|CSDMS meeting presentation=PresentationUlanowicz2020.pdf
}}
}}

Revision as of 05:24, 27 May 2020

CSDMS 2020: Linking Ecosphere and Geosphere


Process Ecology: A Step beyond Physics



Robert Ulanowicz

Biology Dept., Univ. Florida Univ. MD Ctr for Env. Science, United States
ulan@umces.edu

Abstract
Ecology is largely considered to have its foundations in physics, and indeed physics frames many of the constraints on ecosystem dynamics. Physics has its limitations, however, especially when dealing with strongly heterogeneous systems and with the absence of entities. Networks are convenient tools for dealing with heterogeneity and have a long history in ecology, however most research in networks is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms that give rise to network types. Causality in complex heterogeneous systems deals more with configurations of processes than it does with objects moving according to laws. Phenomenological observation of ecosystems networks reveals regularities that the laws of physics are unequipped to determine. The ecosystem is not a machine, but rather a transaction between contingent organization and entropic disorder.



Please acknowledge the original contributors when you are using this material. If there are any copyright issues, please let us know (CSDMSweb@colorado.edu) and we will respond as soon as possible.

Of interest for:
  • Ecosystem Dynamics Focus Research Group