This study explores the possible role of mathematical system
theory in integrating existing ecological knowledge within the existing
concepts of the structure of the biosphere. The objective of this integration
is a theory of ecosystems which must include interactions.
The basic unit of the biosphere is the biogeocoenose; similar to the
ecosystem, but homogeneous with respect to topographic, microclimatic,
vegetation, animal, pedalogical, hydrological and geochemical conditions.
The role of the biogeocoenose in a theory of ecosystems based
on system theory is discussed. The biogeocoenose may serve as the building
block for modeling watersheds as ecosystems. The fundamentals of
system theory are reviewed. As an example, an analysis and synthesis
of the arid zone water balance follows. The water balance is resolved
into twenty components which represent the water balance of (1) the
canopy, (2) the mulch, (3) the soil surface, (4) the soil, and (5) the
plant, including interactions. The twenty components were modeled as
separate systems which were later coupled into one overall, complex,
well defined ecosystem water balance system. The example illustrates
the role of system theory in integrating ecological knowledge. Further
discussion indicates the need for explicitly including plant behavior
in the water balance model.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/617633 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Rogers, James Joseph |
| Contributors | Department of Hydrology & Water Resources, The University of Arizona |
| Publisher | Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Technical Report |
| Source | Provided by the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources. |
| Rights | Copyright © Arizona Board of Regents |
| Relation | Technical Reports on Hydrology and Water Resources, No. 03 |
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