In this chapter, the various terms of entropy generation in terrestrial systems and the atmosphere are estimated by imitating the entropy analysis of a steam power generation (STPG). The highest entropy generation is associated with the outgoing longwave radiation flux (more than 20–200 times the downward solar radiation). The results indicate that the most significant terms of entropy generation (heat dissipation) in different processes are related to latent and sensible heat fluxes (similar to steam generation and flue gas of the STPG). The vegetation cover (boiler system) destroys a part of solar energy absorption in the form of entropy generated by the formation of water vapor and transpiration (steam turbine). Given that life is formed by the optimal balance between the system, the ecosystem, and the living and nonliving organisms, it is important to study the various entropy fluxes in ecosystems that can lead to ecosystem balance.
Part of the book: Exergy