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New method to compute the emergy of crustal minerals

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  • De Vilbiss, Christopher D.
  • Brown, Mark T.

Abstract

To date, Unit Emergy Values (UEVs) for crustal minerals (e.g. limestone, iron ore, etc.) have lacked thermodynamic basis and suffer from overly vague generalization (relative to most other, more certain emergy indicators). We assume a steady state crustal cycle that embodies the various forms of exergy supporting Earth system cycles. The UEV of average crust is 1.75E+09 solar emergy joules per gram (specific emergy). The ratio of crustal specific emergy to a mineral's exergy density (exergy per mass) is the mineral's transformity. This is an important assertion as it is the dissipation of exergy which hierarchically organizes materials. Emergy accounting should be able to express every resource either a transformity or specific emergy, linked by exergy density; crustal minerals are no exception.

Suggested Citation

  • De Vilbiss, Christopher D. & Brown, Mark T., 2015. "New method to compute the emergy of crustal minerals," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 315(C), pages 108-115.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:315:y:2015:i:c:p:108-115
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.04.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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