1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9911011650003321

Autore

Phillips Jonathan D

Titolo

Abiotic Selection in Earth Surface Systems / / by Jonathan D. Phillips

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : , : Springer Nature Switzerland : , : Imprint : Springer, , 2025

ISBN

3-031-85862-X

Edizione

[1st ed. 2025.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (354 pages)

Collana

Geophysics and Environmental Physics, , 2948-2194

Disciplina

550

910.02

Soggetti

Physical geography

Geophysics

Stochastic models

Statistics

Ecology

Geology

Earth System Sciences

Stochastic Modelling in Statistics

Statistics in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Theoretical and Statistical Ecology

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di contenuto

Introduction Abiotic Selection in Earth Surface Systems ESS -- Key Principles Review and Overview -- Forms of selection in geophysics -- Gradient selection -- Resistance selection -- Thermodynamic selection -- Geophysical selection & landscape evolution -- Goals & emergence -- An integrated approach to geophysics in Earth Surface Systems -- Implications & applications of geophysical selection.

Sommario/riassunto

This book is about abiotic selection in Earth surface systems. It demonstrates that seemingly purposeful or goal-oriented phenomena in Earth's processes actually emerge from selection dynamics. While many think of selection in the context of biological evolution, it extends to abiotic processes crucial in understanding Earth's function and evolution. The author delineates four forms of geophysical



selection: gradient, resistance, network, and thermodynamic. These selections manifest in various natural systems, from fluid flows shaping landscapes to the efficient transport of mass and energy. The book acknowledges the interplay of geophysical and ecological processes, employing them as pedagogical tools. Structured with an introduction to abiotic selection and its context, the book delves into the application of key principles—such as thermodynamics and flow dynamics—to Earth surface systems. Each subsequent chapter examines one of the four types of selection, featuring diverse real-world examples from climate dynamics to oceanography. Geared toward researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in fields such as geophysics, geology, geography, hydrology, and ecosystem sciences, it also appeals to those interested in evolutionary thinking beyond traditional life sciences.