passive electrical equivalent of energy systems language storage icon
in 1950s odum introduced electrical circuit diagrams of ecosystems ecological society of america. claimed energy driven through ecological systems ecoforce analogous role of voltage in electrical circuits.
odum developed analogue of ohm s law aimed representation of energy flows through ecosystems. in terms of steady state thermodynamics, ohm s law can considered special case of more general flux law, flux (
j
{\displaystyle j}
) proportional driving thermodynamic force (
x
{\displaystyle x}
) conductivity (
c
{\displaystyle c}
). is:
j
=
c
x
{\displaystyle j=cx}
.
kangas states odum concluded thermodynamic systems, ecosystems should obey force-flux law. hence ohm s law , passive electrical analog circuits can used simulate ecosystems (ibid.). in simulation, odum attempted derive ecological analog electrical voltage. voltage, or driving force, related have measured years, biomass, in pounds per acre. analogous concept required biomass activity, is, thermodynamic thrust, may linear. in nature still uncertain, new concept.
such consideration led odum ask 2 important methodological questions: 1) electrical significance of function observed in nature? 2) given electrical unit in circuit, in ecological system? example, diode in nature? 1 needs diode allow biomass accumulate after voltage of sun has gone down. otherwise circuit reverses. higher organisms fish diodes.
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