Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-2019-52
https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-2019-52
01 Oct 2019
 | 01 Oct 2019
Status: this discussion paper is a preprint. It has been under review for the journal Earth System Dynamics (ESD). The manuscript was not accepted for further review after discussion.

ESD Ideas: Structures dominate the functioning of Earth systems, but their dynamics are not well represented

Axel Kleidon, Erwin Zehe, and Ralf Loritz

Abstract. Many fluxes in Earth systems are not homogeneously distributed across space, but occur highly concentrated in structures, such as turbulent eddies, river networks, vascular networks of plants, or human-made infrastructures. Yet, the highly-organized nature of these fluxes is typically only described at a rudimentary level, if at all. We propose that it requires a novel approach to describe these structures that focuses on the work done to build and maintain these structures, and the feedbacks that they cause on a system’s ability to perform work, which requires placing these structures into their environmental Earth system context.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Axel Kleidon, Erwin Zehe, and Ralf Loritz
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Axel Kleidon, Erwin Zehe, and Ralf Loritz
Axel Kleidon, Erwin Zehe, and Ralf Loritz

Viewed

Total article views: 1,286 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
887 318 81 1,286 117 92
  • HTML: 887
  • PDF: 318
  • XML: 81
  • Total: 1,286
  • BibTeX: 117
  • EndNote: 92
Views and downloads (calculated since 01 Oct 2019)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 01 Oct 2019)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 1,229 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 1,226 with geography defined and 3 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 

Cited

Latest update: 02 Nov 2024
Download
Short summary
Many fluxes in Earth systems are not homogeneously distributed across space, but occur highly concentrated in structures, such as turbulent eddies, river networks, vascular networks of plants, or human-made infrastructures. Yet, the highly-organized nature of these fluxes is typically only described at a rudimentary level, if at all. We propose that it requires a novel approach to describe these structures that focuses on the work done to build and maintain these structures, and the feedbacks.
Altmetrics