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Positive Feedback in Environmental Science: A Deep Dive into Amplifying Effects
Introduction:
Our planet's intricate web of environmental systems is constantly shifting, influenced by countless interactions. While many of these interactions maintain a delicate balance, some accelerate change, creating a cascade of effects. This phenomenon, known as positive feedback in environmental science, is crucial to understanding climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and the overall health of our planet. This comprehensive guide delves into the complexities of positive feedback loops, examining their mechanisms, environmental impacts, and the potential for both devastating consequences and unexpected opportunities. We'll explore specific examples, discuss the challenges in predicting their behavior, and highlight the importance of understanding these loops for effective environmental management and conservation efforts. Get ready to unravel the powerful influence of positive feedback loops on our world.
1. Understanding Positive Feedback Loops: A Definition and Mechanism
Positive feedback loops, unlike their negative counterparts, amplify change. Instead of stabilizing a system, they accelerate it in a particular direction. Imagine a snowball rolling downhill – it starts small, but as it gathers more snow, it grows exponentially larger and faster. This escalating process perfectly illustrates a positive feedback loop. In environmental science, this means that a change in one element of a system triggers a series of subsequent changes, each reinforcing the initial change. These loops can be initiated by natural processes or human activities, often with far-reaching and sometimes irreversible consequences.
2. Key Examples of Positive Feedback Loops in Environmental Science:
Several alarming examples highlight the significance of positive feedback loops in our environment. Let's examine a few crucial instances:
Arctic Sea Ice Melt: As Arctic sea ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar radiation than ice. This increased absorption leads to further warming, accelerating the melting process. This creates a vicious cycle where less ice leads to more warming, leading to even less ice – a classic example of a positive feedback loop.
Permafrost Thawing: Permafrost, permanently frozen soil, stores vast amounts of methane and carbon dioxide. As temperatures rise, permafrost thaws, releasing these potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This release further enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to more warming and additional permafrost thaw. The loop amplifies global warming significantly.
Forest Fires and Deforestation: Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. However, deforestation and wildfires release stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Increased temperatures and drier conditions, in turn, increase the risk of further fires and deforestation, creating a positive feedback loop that exacerbates climate change.
Ocean Acidification: Increased atmospheric CO2 dissolves in the ocean, causing acidification. This acidification damages coral reefs and shellfish, reducing their ability to absorb CO2. This reduced absorption further increases ocean acidity, creating a self-reinforcing loop with severe consequences for marine ecosystems.
Albedo Effect: Albedo refers to the reflectivity of a surface. Ice and snow have a high albedo, reflecting sunlight back into space. As ice and snow melt, the darker surfaces underneath absorb more solar radiation, leading to further warming and more melting. This is a crucial feedback loop impacting global temperatures.
3. Predicting the Behavior of Positive Feedback Loops: Challenges and Uncertainties
Predicting the exact behavior of positive feedback loops is incredibly challenging. These systems are often complex, involving numerous interacting variables and non-linear relationships. Imperfect understanding of these interactions makes precise modeling and forecasting difficult. Furthermore, the timing and magnitude of feedback effects can be unpredictable, adding to the complexity of predicting their long-term impacts.
4. Mitigating the Impacts of Positive Feedback Loops: Strategies and Interventions
Addressing the impacts of positive feedback loops requires a multifaceted approach. Mitigation strategies include:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This is the most critical step in slowing the acceleration of many positive feedback loops related to climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable land management practices are crucial.
Protecting and Restoring Ecosystems: Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to environmental changes. Protecting existing forests, wetlands, and other crucial habitats, and restoring degraded ecosystems, can enhance the planet's capacity to absorb carbon and mitigate the effects of positive feedback loops.
Developing Advanced Monitoring Systems: Improving our ability to monitor environmental changes, such as ice melt and permafrost thaw, is vital for early detection of potential tipping points and timely interventions.
Promoting International Cooperation: Addressing the global challenge of positive feedback loops necessitates international collaboration on research, mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
5. Conclusion: The Urgency of Understanding and Addressing Positive Feedback Loops
Positive feedback loops represent a significant challenge to environmental sustainability. Their accelerating nature can lead to rapid and potentially irreversible changes in the Earth's systems. However, by understanding their mechanisms, predicting their behavior (to the extent possible), and implementing effective mitigation strategies, we can strive to minimize their negative consequences and safeguard the future of our planet. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated. Ignoring the influence of positive feedback loops is akin to ignoring a crucial piece of the puzzle – a piece that could determine the fate of our planet.
Article Outline:
Title: Positive Feedback in Environmental Science: A Deep Dive into Amplifying Effects
I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview.
II. Understanding Positive Feedback Loops: Defining and explaining the mechanism.
III. Key Examples: Detailed examination of specific environmental examples.
IV. Predicting Behavior: Highlighting the challenges and uncertainties.
V. Mitigating Impacts: Exploring strategies and interventions.
VI. Conclusion: Summarizing key points and emphasizing the urgency.
(The body of the article above fulfills the detailed outline.)
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between positive and negative feedback loops? Positive feedback amplifies change, while negative feedback stabilizes a system.
2. Are all positive feedback loops harmful? Not necessarily. Some can be beneficial in certain contexts, but most environmental examples are detrimental.
3. Can we completely stop positive feedback loops? It's unlikely we can completely stop them once initiated, but we can slow their progression.
4. What is the role of human activity in positive feedback loops? Human activities often trigger or exacerbate many positive feedback loops, particularly those related to climate change.
5. How are positive feedback loops modeled? Complex mathematical models and computer simulations are used, but they have limitations.
6. What are some potential tipping points related to positive feedback loops? Melting of major ice sheets, widespread permafrost thaw, and abrupt shifts in ocean currents.
7. What is the role of international cooperation in addressing these loops? Global collaboration is essential for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
8. How can individuals contribute to mitigating positive feedback loops? Reducing carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for environmental policies.
9. What is the long-term outlook if positive feedback loops are not addressed? Severe environmental damage, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for human society and ecosystems.
Related Articles:
1. Climate Change Tipping Points: Exploring critical thresholds in the Earth's systems.
2. Arctic Amplification: Analyzing the accelerated warming in the Arctic region.
3. The Carbon Cycle and Climate Change: Understanding the role of carbon in the climate system.
4. Ocean Acidification and Marine Ecosystems: Examining the impacts on marine life.
5. Permafrost Degradation and Greenhouse Gas Release: Studying the implications for climate change.
6. Deforestation and its Environmental Consequences: Analyzing the effects of forest loss.
7. Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation: Exploring solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Sustainable Land Management Practices: Highlighting methods for protecting and restoring ecosystems.
9. International Climate Agreements and their Effectiveness: Evaluating global efforts to combat climate change.
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Michael L. McKinney, Robert M. Schoch, 2003 This edition provides a comprehensive overview and synthesis of current environmental issues and problems. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science and Technology Stanley E. Manahan, 1997-08-26 This broad overview covers the four traditional spheres of the environment: water, air, earth, and life, and introduces a fifth sphere - the anthrosphere - which the author defines as the sphere of human activities, especially technology, that affect the earth. Environmental Science and Technology is organized into six major areas; one for each of the five spheres and one introductory section that explains the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Throughout the book, the relationships among the five spheres and their connections to the sciences are emphasized. For better or worse, technology is closely intertwined with the other four spheres. Humans utilize resources, manufacture goods, practice agriculture, and engage in other activities that have profound effects on the planet. This unique text/reference takes a realistic look at the environmental effects of human activities, and shows how constructively directed technology can have a beneficial effect on the Earth. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Policy Implications of Greenhouse Warming National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, Policy and Global Affairs, Institute of Medicine, Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, Panel on Policy Implications of Greenhouse Warming, 1992-02-01 Global warming continues to gain importance on the international agenda and calls for action are heightening. Yet, there is still controversy over what must be done and what is needed to proceed. Policy Implications of Greenhouse Warming describes the information necessary to make decisions about global warming resulting from atmospheric releases of radiatively active trace gases. The conclusions and recommendations include some unexpected results. The distinguished authoring committee provides specific advice for U.S. policy and addresses the need for an international response to potential greenhouse warming. It offers a realistic view of gaps in the scientific understanding of greenhouse warming and how much effort and expense might be required to produce definitive answers. The book presents methods for assessing options to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, offset emissions, and assist humans and unmanaged systems of plants and animals to adjust to the consequences of global warming. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science For Dummies Alecia M. Spooner, 2023-04-25 Ace your environmental science class and get smart about the environment Environmental Science For Dummies is a straightforward guide to the interrelationships of the natural world and the role that humans play in the environment. This book tracks to a typical introductory environmental science curriculum at the college level—and is great as a supplement or study guide for AP Environmental Science, too. Uncover fascinating facts about the earth’s natural resources and the problems that arise when resources like air, water, and soil are contaminated by pollutants. If you’re in need of extra help for a class, considering a career in environmental science, or simply care about our planet and want to learn more about helping the environment, this friendly Dummies resource is a great place to start. The key concepts of environmental science, clearly explained All about the changing climate, including new understanding of methane release in the arctic Earth’s natural resources and the importance of protecting them A new chapter on environmental justice, where issues of poverty and sustainability intersect A solid foundation in environmental science is essential for anyone looking for a career in the field—and is important knowledge for all of us as we work together to build a sustainable future. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Kevin Byrne, 2001 This text has been written by the Chief Examiner of AEB (AQA) Environmental Science, and is suitable for all students studying the subject at AS and A Level. This text is an invaluable resource promoting interactive learning. Environmental Science is the market leader for this subject area. It is also a useful resource for GNVQ Land and Environment. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environment Peter H. Raven, Linda R. Berg, David M. Hassenzahl, 2012-12-17 Raven's 8th edition of Environment offers more detailed content than the Visualizing text for a better understanding and integration of the core environmental systems and to view and analyze the role those systems play. Shorter, but still comprehensive coverage focuses on ethical decision making and key local environmental science issues, requiring readers to think critically about the course material outside of the classroom. Other features include brief text in the comprehensive segment; extensive chapter pedagogy to help reinforce the systems approach; more opportunities to think critically about the how systems intersect and fit together; and new data interpretation questions at the end of each chapter-- |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Sciences K J Gregory, Ian Simmons, Anthony Brazel, John W Day, Edward A Keller, Alejandro Yanez-Arancibia, Arthur G Sylvester, 2008-11-18 Unique in the reference literature, this Companion provides students with an introduction to all the major concepts and contemporary issues in the environmental sciences. The text is divided into six sections (Environmental Sciences, Environments, Paradigms and Concepts, Processes and Dynamic, Scales and Techniques, Environmental Issues), with over 200 entries alphabetically organized and authored by key names in the environmental science disciplines. Entries are concise, informative, richly visual and fully referenced and cross referenced. They introduce key concepts and processes that are included in the index, cite relevant websites, and reflect the latest thinking. |
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| positive feedback in environmental science: Ecology, Environmental Science & Conservation Singh J.S., Singh S.P. & Gupta S.R., 2014 Over the years, the scope of our scientific understanding and technical skills in ecology and environmental science have widened significantly, with increasingly greater emphasis on societal issues. In this book, an attempt has been made to give basic concepts of ecology, environmental science and various aspects of natural resource conservation. The topics covered primarily deal with environmental factors affecting organisms, adaptations, biogeography, ecology of species populations and species interactions, biotic communities and ecosystems, environmental pollution, stresses caused by toxics, global environmental change, exotic species invasion, conservation of biodiversity, ecological restoration, impact assessment, application of remote sensing and geographical information system for analysis and management of natural resources, and approaches of ecological economics. The main issues have been discussed within the framework of sustainability, considering humans as part of ecosystems, and recognising that sustainable development requires integration of ecology with social sciences for policy formulation and implementation. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Daniel Chiras, 2010 Completely updated, the eighth edition of 'Environmental Science' enlightens students on the fundamental causes of the current environmental crisis and offers ideas on how we, as a global community, can create a sustainable future. |
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| positive feedback in environmental science: Ebook: Environmental Science: A Global Concern William Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, 2014-10-16 Environmental Science: A Global Concern is a comprehensive presentation of environmental science for non-science majors which emphasizes critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and global awareness. This book is intended for use in a one or two-semester course in environmental science, human ecology, or environmental studies at the college or advanced placement high school level. As practicing scientists and educators, the Cunningham author team brings decades of experience in the classroom, in the practice of science, and in civic engagement. This experience helps give students a clear sense of what environmental science is and why it matters in this exciting, new 13th edition. Environmental Science: A Global Concern provides readers with an up-to-date, introductory global view of essential themes in environmental science. The authors balance evidence of serious environmental challenges with ideas about what we can do to overcome them. An entire chapter focuses on ecological restoration; one of the most important aspects of ecology today. Case studies in most chapters show examples of real progress, and “What Can You Do?” lists give students ideas for contributing to solutions |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Principles of Environmental Sciences Jan J. Boersema, Lucas Reijnders, 2008-12-12 International experts provide a comprehensive picture of the principles, concepts and methods that are applicable to problems originating from the interaction between the living/non-living environment and mankind. Both the analysis of such problems and the way solutions to environmental problems may work in specific societal contexts are addressed. Disciplinary approaches are discussed but there is a focus on multi- and interdisciplinary methods. A large number of practical examples and case studies are presented. There is special emphasis on modelling and integrated assessment. This book is different because it stresses the societal, cultural and historical dimensions of environmental problems. The main objective is to improve the ability to analyse and conceptualise environmental problems in context and to make readers aware of the value and scope of different methods. Ideal as a course text for students, this book will also be of interest to researchers and consultants in the environmental sciences. |
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| positive feedback in environmental science: CliffsNotes AP Environmental Science Jennifer Sutton, Kevin Bryan, 2012-04-30 Your complete guide to a higher score on the *AP Environmental Science exam About the book: Introduction Reviews of the AP exam format and scoring Proven strategies for answering matching; problem solving; multiple choice; cause and effect; tables, graphs, and charts; and basic math questions Hints for tackling the free-response questions Part I: Subject Reviews Cover all subject areas you'll be tested on: Earth's systems and resources The living world Population Land and water use Energy resources and consumption Pollution Global change Part II: Practice Exams 3 full-length practice exams with answers and complete explanations Proven test-taking strategies Focused reviews of all exam topics 3 full-length practice exams |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Essentials of Environmental Science, Second Edition R. Parker, 2015-01-27 This textbook is designed as a very brief introduction to the concepts of environmental science from ecosystems, to life process, to chemical process, to recycling, to the water cycle and treatment, to sustainability, to pest control, to issues and solutions, to pollution and environmental laws. Each of the 30 topics are covered in readings of two to five pages long. Additionally, the book contains a very complete glossary of terms used in environmental science. Instructors and students using the text can request a complementary set of PowerPoint presentations which go with each topic to illustrate concepts. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: My Summers in West Africa Dr. Richard Evans, 2016-08-24 Medical personal since the days of Dr. Livingston in the mid-1880s have traveled to Africa for a number of reasons. First is to satisfy the innate curiosity that tends to infest every member of the medical profession. Second is the natural desire to lend a helping hand to our fellow man. And third would be to expand our knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases and the medicines used to treat them. It is for these reasons that my book will have an expansive market. Any physician who is contemplating an expedition to West Africa must first research and seek advice from those who have gone before him. He will also find it necessary to brush up on the tropical diseases he will be exposed to and will be expected to treat. My journal summarizes those. Prior to embarking, a physician may well find it necessary to receive some in-services on the unfamiliar surgical procedures that he may be expected to perform. My journal covers those procedures as well. Medicines and essential surgical instruments must be collected and packed ahead of any mission. My journal lists the pharmaceuticals and instruments I found in short supply. To travel into that corner of the world, a physician must also receive the recommended vaccinations and start his/her antimalarial medication in a timely manner. From publications like mine, nurses and physician assistants can get a good idea of what might be expected of them during such a trip. And since the hospital I served is associated with and supplied by a religious organization, this book will help parishioners of any faith better understand how they can best serve their organizations medical missions. It will also give them encouragement and a better appreciation of the importance of their efforts. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environment David M. Hassenzahl, Mary Catherine Hager, Nancy Y. Gift, Linda R. Berg, Peter H. Raven, 2018-02-23 Environment, Tenth Edition helps students understand the connection between the core concepts of the Environmental Science and their daily lives. The 10th edition enhanced e-text features a rich, interactive collection of current case studies and in-text examples, which provides students with the tools to understand, apply, and think critically about environmental science. It also provides instructors with powerful tools to assess individual students progresses well as the class as a whole. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Atmospheric Science for Environmental Scientists C. Nick Hewitt, Andrea V. Jackson, 2020-02-10 Enlightens readers on the realities of global atmospheric change, including global warming and poor air quality Climate change and air pollution are two of the most pressing issues facing Mankind. This book gives undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and professionals working in the science and policy of pollution, climate change and air quality a broad and up-to-date account of the processes that occur in the atmosphere, how these are changing as Man’s relentless use of natural resources continues, and what effects these changes are having on the Earth’s climate and the quality of the air we breathe. Written by an international team of experts, Atmospheric Science for Environmental Scientists, 2nd Edition provides an excellent overview of our current understanding of the state of the Earth’s atmosphere and how it is changing. The first half of the book covers: the climate of the Earth; chemical evolution of the atmosphere; atmospheric energy and the structure of the atmosphere; biogeochemical cycles; and tropospheric chemistry and air pollution. The second half looks at cloud formation and chemistry; particulate matter in the atmosphere; stratospheric chemistry and ozone depletion; boundary layer meteorology and atmospheric dispersion; urban air pollution; and global warming and climate change science. Provides succinct but detailed information on all the important aspects of atmospheric science for students Offers the most up-to-date treatment of key issues such as stratospheric chemistry, urban air pollution, and climate change Each chapter includes basic concepts, end-of-section questions, and more in-depth material Features contributions from the best experts and educators in the field of atmospheric science Atmospheric Science for Environmental Scientists, 2nd Edition is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and professionals involved in environmental science. It will also appeal to those interested in learning how the atmosphere works, how humankind is changing its composition, and what effects these changes are leading to. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Basics of Environmental Science Michael Allaby, 2002-01-04 The new edition of this popular student text offers an engaging introduction to environmental study. It covers the entire breadth of the environmental sciences, providing concise, non-technical explanations of physical processes and systems and the effects of human activities. In this second edition the scientific background to major environmental issues is clearly explained. These include: * global warming * genetically modified foods * desertification * acid rain * deforestation * human population growth * depleting resources * nuclear power generation * descriptions of the 10 major biomes. Special student text features include illustrations and explanatory diagrams, boxed case studies, concepts and definitions. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Barbara W. Murck, 2015-05-14 The only popular study guide available on environmental science This new Wiley Self-Teaching Guide introduces learners to all the basics of environmental science, from air pollution to the water cycle, covering both natural systems and human impacts on the environment. Using quick quizzes and self-tests to reinforce key concepts, Environmental Science walks students through this interdisciplinary topic with clarity and thoroughness. With 125 photographs and illustrations, this book is a unique and valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about-and in preserving-our green home. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Michael L. McKinney, Robert M. Schoch, Mckinney, Logan Yonavjak, 2017-12 Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions, Sixth Edition features updated data and additional tables with statistics throughout to lay the groundwork for a fair and apolitical foundational understanding of environmental science. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book is missing some of the images or content found in the physical edition. |
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| positive feedback in environmental science: Natural Environmental Change Antoinette Mannion, 2002-02-07 Mannion is extremely well known author and big name in the field Very popular area of study for students - texts in this area always sell well None of the competing texts are concise introductions Core module on most geography and environment studies, and earth studies modules worldwide Series is very accessible and user friendly for students - lots of student text features |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Environmental Science Daniel B. Botkin, Edward A. Keller, 2005 Offers a modern and different perspective. * Includes updated content to reflect latest research findings. * Each chapter ending has references to related material on the web. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Climate Change The Royal Society, National Academy of Sciences, 2014-02-26 Climate Change: Evidence and Causes is a jointly produced publication of The US National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society. Written by a UK-US team of leading climate scientists and reviewed by climate scientists and others, the publication is intended as a brief, readable reference document for decision makers, policy makers, educators, and other individuals seeking authoritative information on the some of the questions that continue to be asked. Climate Change makes clear what is well-established and where understanding is still developing. It echoes and builds upon the long history of climate-related work from both national academies, as well as on the newest climate-change assessment from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It touches on current areas of active debate and ongoing research, such as the link between ocean heat content and the rate of warming. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Companion to Environmental Studies Noel Castree, Mike Hulme, James D. Proctor, 2018-05-01 Companion to Environmental Studies presents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary overview of the key issues, debates, concepts, approaches and questions that together define environmental studies today. The intellectually wide-ranging volume covers approaches in environmental science all the way through to humanistic and post-natural perspectives on the biophysical world. Though many academic disciplines have incorporated studying the environment as part of their curriculum, only in recent years has it become central to the social sciences and humanities rather than mainly the geosciences. ‘The environment’ is now a keyword in everything from fisheries science to international relations to philosophical ethics to cultural studies. The Companion brings these subject areas, and their distinctive perspectives and contributions, together in one accessible volume. Over 150 short chapters written by leading international experts provide concise, authoritative and easy-to-use summaries of all the major and emerging topics dominating the field, while the seven part introductions situate and provide context for section entries. A gateway to deeper understanding is provided via further reading and links to online resources. Companion to Environmental Studies offers an essential one-stop reference to university students, academics, policy makers and others keenly interested in ‘the environmental question’, the answer to which will define the coming century. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Ecology and Applied Environmental Science Kimon Hadjibiros, 2013-10-01 Ecology and Applied Environmental Science addresses the impact of contemporary environmental problems by using the main principles of scientific ecology. It offers a brief yet comprehensive explanation of ecosystems based on energy, populations, and cycles of chemical elements. The book presents a variety of scientific ecological issues and uses these to examine a range of environmental problems while considering potential engineering, scientific, and managerial solutions. It takes an engineering approach and avoids excessive biological detail, while introducing ecology with a systemic approach. The book examines categories of organisms as well as the physical and chemical processes that affect them. It refers to the dynamics of populations and analysis of their major mutual influences, elaborates on the roles of primary production, limiting factors, energy flow, and circulation of chemical substances in the ecosystems, and presents the basic functions of aquatic ecosystems. The author considers important issues related to environmental degradation of forests, aquatic habitats, coastal zones, other natural landscapes, and urban areas, includes a survey of problems related to waste and toxic and radioactive substances, and presents the greenhouse effect and impacts from climate change. He discusses environmental management prospects and the potential for technological control of pollution from liquid, solid, and gaseous waste. He also highlights existing tools for environmental management, ecological and social aspects of biodiversity and landscape protection, and the contrast between development and environment in combination with ideas about sustainability. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues Kevin T. Pickering, Lewis A. Owen, 1997 An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues presents a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to the key environmental issues presently threatening our global environment. Offering an authoritative introduction to the key topics, a source of latest environmental information, and an innovative stimulus for debate, this is an essential book for all those studying or concerned with global environmental issues. Major global environmental issues are brought into focus. Explanations of the evolution of the earth's natural systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, ecosphere) provide an essential understanding of the scientific concepts, processes and historical background to environmental issues. Contemporary socio-economic, cultural and political considerations are explored and important conceptual approaches such as Gaian hypotheses and Chaos Theory are introduced. Human impact and management of the natural environment, and concerns for maintaining biodiversity are emphasised throughout. Specific features include: * Case studies drawn from across the world * Superb illustrations: 4-colour plate sections; a wealth of informative diagrams * Glossary of key terms, with key concepts highlighted throughout the text * Annotated guides to further reading * Chapter summaries and key points A Lecturers' Manual is available to accompany the text This 2nd Edition has been extensively revised and expanded to include many new illustrations, up-to-date data (including the latest IPCC data) and the most recent events including Khobe earthquake, French nuclear testing, the Berlin conference and the Antarctic Treaty. Sections on ecosystems, techniques, pollution, tectonics, risk and hazard mitigation, world populations, and issues of human impact and environmental management, have been particularly expanded in this new edition. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Handbook of Research methods and Applications in Environmental Studies Matthias Ruth,, 2015-08-28 This Handbook presents methods to advance the understanding of interdependencies between the well-being of human societies and the performance of their biophysical environment. It showcases applications to material and energy use; urbanization and tech |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Essential Environmental Science Edward A. Keller, Daniel B. Botkin, 2008 Essential Environmental Science provides a non-quantitative approach that is based on principles, critical thinking and the big questions that are driving the field today. It offers a condensed look at the field, covering topics in way that will help readers answer the big questions. It eliminates more detailed or advanced topics to make the material more accessible while also placing the focus on today's important issues. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: A Text Book of Environmental Science Vidya Thakur, 2016-01-01 This book is eminently useful for the students pursuing Under Graduate and Post Graduate Courses in Environmental science/ Environmental Engineering / Environmental Biotechnology and environmentalists. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Paleoclimatology Gilles Ramstein, Amaëlle Landais, Nathaelle Bouttes, Pierre Sepulchre, Aline Govin, 2020-11-09 This two-volume book provides a comprehensive, detailed understanding of paleoclimatology beginning by describing the “proxy data” from which quantitative climate parameters are reconstructed and finally by developing a comprehensive Earth system model able to simulate past climates of the Earth. It compiles contributions from specialists in each field who each have an in-depth knowledge of their particular area of expertise. The first volume is devoted to “Finding, dating and interpreting the evidence”. It describes the different geo-chronological technical methods used in paleoclimatology. Different fields of geosciences such as: stratigraphy, magnetism, dendrochronology, sedimentology, are drawn from and proxy reconstructions from ice sheets, terrestrial (speleothems, lakes, and vegetation) and oceanic data, are used to reconstruct the ancient climates of the Earth. The second volume, entitled “Investigation into ancient climates,” focuses on building comprehensive models of past climate evolution. The chapters are based on understanding the processes driving the evolution of each component of the Earth system (atmosphere, ocean, ice). This volume provides both an analytical understanding of each component using a hierarchy of models (from conceptual to very sophisticated 3D general circulation models) and a synthetic approach incorporating all of these components to explore the evolution of the Earth as a global system. As a whole this book provides the reader with a complete view of data reconstruction and modeling of the climate of the Earth from deep time to present day with even an excursion to include impacts on future climate. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Noise-Induced Phenomena in the Environmental Sciences Luca Ridolfi, Paolo D'Odorico, Francesco Laio, 2011-06-20 Randomness is ubiquitous in nature. Random drivers are generally considered a source of disorder in environmental systems. However, the interaction between noise and nonlinear dynamics may lead to the emergence of a number of ordered behaviors (in time and space) that would not exist in the absence of noise. This counterintuitive effect of randomness may play a crucial role in environmental processes. For example, seemingly 'random' background events in the atmosphere can grow into larger instabilities that have great effects on weather patterns. This book presents the basics of the theory of stochastic calculus and its application to the study of noise-induced phenomena in environmental systems. It will be an invaluable reference text for ecologists, geoscientists and environmental engineers interested in the study of stochastic environmental dynamics. |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Clouds and Climate A. Pier Siebesma, Sandrine Bony, Christian Jakob, Bjorn Stevens, 2020 Clouds have always fascinated humans, but never has the need to understand them been so vital. As global surface temperature increases, human activities influence particulate matter in the atmosphere, and the properties of the land surface, clouds are expected to change, with manifold consequences for the climate. Clouds influence climate through their regulation of radiant energy transfer, through their role in convective energy transport, and in mediating the water cycle. Cloud research has never been so exciting. It is a topic with many new opportunities. New satellite observations from space with active instruments such as lidar and radar allow for the first time to reconstruct the three-dimensional distribution of clouds across Earth. Likewise, numerical simulations are beginning to globally resolve the three spatial dimensions of clouds as well as their dynamic evolution. This is enabling researchers, for the first time, to link the smallscale cloud processes and the basic laws that govern them to the general circulation of the atmosphere. These new types of observations, and simulation, are enabling researchers to distinguish how different cloud types influence the climate, and are guiding conceptual representations of their collective behaviour-- |
| positive feedback in environmental science: Recent Advances in Environmental Science from the Euro-Mediterranean and Surrounding Regions Amjad Kallel, Mohamed Ksibi, Hamed Ben Dhia, Nabil Khélifi, 2017-12-12 This volume includes the papers presented during the 1st Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration (EMCEI) which was held in Sousse, Tunisia in November 2017. This conference was jointly organized by the editorial office of the Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration in Sfax, Tunisia and Springer (MENA Publishing Program) in Germany. It aimed to give a more concrete expression to the Euro-Mediterranean integration process by supplementing existing North-South programs and agreements with a new multilateral scientific forum that emphasizes in particular the vulnerability and proactive remediation of the Euro-Mediterranean region from an environmental point of view. This volume gives a general and brief overview on current research focusing on emerging environmental issues and challenges and its applications to a variety of problems in the Euro-Mediterranean zone and surrounding regions. It contains over five hundred and eighty carefully refereed short contributions to the conference. Topics covered include (1) innovative approaches and methods for environmental sustainability, (2) environmental risk assessment, bioremediation, ecotoxicology, and environmental safety, (3) water resources assessment, planning, protection, and management, (4) environmental engineering and management, (5) natural resources: characterization, assessment, management, and valorization, (6) intelligent techniques in renewable energy (biomass, wind, waste, solar), (7) sustainable management of marine environment and coastal areas, (8) remote sensing and GIS for geo-environmental investigations, (9) environmental impacts of geo/natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic, and marine hazards), and (10) the environmental health science (natural and social impacts on Human health). Presenting a wide range of topics and new results, this edited volume will appeal to anyone working in the subject area, including researchers and students interested to learn more about new advances in environmental research initiatives in view of the ever growing environmental degradation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, which has turned environmental and resource protection into an increasingly important issue hampering sustainable development and social welfare. |
