Book Summary of Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change by William H. Schlesinger

Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, William H. Schlesinger, (California: Academic Press Inc., 1991), 351pp.

Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, is an in depth examination of the processes, reactions and global cycles of energy, chemicals and nutrients on the planet. It offers a secure foundation from which to pursue particular global change topics with greater specificity.

Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change is required reading for EPOB 4170/5170 as taught by Professor Tim Seastedt. The work is divided into two parts: processes and reactions, and global cycles. The first part will be of interest to those who require a careful and comprehensive explanation of the origins and essential constituents of the components of earth. Schlesinger offers, in the introduction, a brief review of the principles of thermodynamics and an explanation of cycles in biogeochemistry and presents his model of the earth as a biogeochemical system. The introduction is followed by an overview of the origins of the earth. He discusses: the origins of the elements, the solar system and the earth. Schlesinger moves through: an explanation of the primitive atmosphere and ocean, the origin of life and the evolution of metabolic pathways to a comparative planetary history.

The next three chapters address in turn: the atmosphere, the lithosphere and the terrestrial biosphere. The author considers: the structure and composition of, aerosols in, biochemical reactions in, and decomposition of, the atmosphere. He offers for consideration, models of the atmosphere and global climate. The chapter on the lithosphere addresses rock weathering, and soil chemical reactions and development. The examination of the terrestrial biosphere is focused on: photosynthesis, net primary production, decomposition and soil organic matter.

The next four chapters address biogeochemical cycling both on land and in aquatic systems. Cycling on land concentrates on: biogeochemical and nutrient cycling in land plants, biogeochemical cycling in the soil and the role of both fire and animals in these processes. Cycling in water sees an examination of: redox potential in natural environments, the biogeochemistry of terrestrial wetlands and the primary production and nutrient cycling in lakes. A careful examination of rivers and estuaries, and the sea covers the essentialbiogeochemical processes of these water-bodies.

The second part is devoted to global cycles and will be beneficial to those who seek an understanding of particular cycles and anthropogenic changes in those cycles. The water cycle is examined through a discussion of: its history, models of the hydrologic cycle and how the water cycle might look in the future under several different scenarios. The carbon cycle is viewed in its modern form and the temporal aspects of it are explored. The levels of carbon monoxide, and atmospheric methane are examined prior to the author's explanation of the link between the carbon and oxygen cycles. The nitrogen and phosphorous cycles are examined independently and as linked cycles. The final cycle examined is the sulphur cycle.

Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change is a comprehensive examination of the terrestrial and atmospheric components which are affected by global change. The end of each chapter contains a recommended reading list and the text is followed by a seventy page bibliography which will prove most useful to the serious investigator. This work does not, however, contain a glossary which would be a useful addition for those lacking a solid scientific background.