Treesearch
Calculating the configurational entropy of a landscape mosaic
| Authors: | Samuel A. Cushman |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-015-0305-2 |
| Source: | Landscape Ecology. 31: 481-489. |
Download (PDF 278 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/52622.pdf
Abstract
Applications of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics in landscape ecology are rare and poorly developed. This is a fundamental limitation given the centrally important role the second law plays in all physical and biological processes. A critical first step to exploring the utility of thermodynamics in landscape ecology is to define the configurational entropy of a landscape mosaic. In this paper I attempt to link landscape ecology to the second law of thermodynamics and the entropy concept by showing how the configurational entropy of a landscape mosaic may be calculated.