Abstract
This book is unique in that it combines a treatise on the physics of Earth’s climate with an overview of several of the most important global biogeochemical cycles. The long-term evolution of these cycles is discussed with an emphasis on the changes that occurred during alternations of glacials and interglacials in the Quaternary. Also the effect of humans, which gradually increased in the most recent centuries, gets due attention. Various aspects of interactions between biogeochemical cycles and the physical climate are highlighted.
The introduction, which briefly sets out the purpose and organisation of the book, is followed by a chapter explaining climate variability and Earth system sensitivity. The next chapter describes the methods used to obtain palaeoclimatic data and gives a brief exposé of Earth system models and how these have developed since the 1960s. Subsequent chapters explain several of the physical aspects of Earth’s climate system, including the radiation budget, the greenhouse effect and the effects of atmospheric water vapour and aerosols on the radiation budget. The book has also chapters on atmospheric circulation and ocean circulation, and the hydrological cycle. Such chapters explain key physical principles and also provide a geological perspective (e.g. Snowball Earth is briefly discussed) but are not intended as exhaustive texts on atmospheric science. The climate-oriented chapters are followed by chapters explaining key biogeochemical cycles: the carbon (dioxide) cycle, methane cycling, the nitrogen cycle, and the role of phosphorus, sulphur, iron and oxygen. The development of these biogeochemical cycles during Earth’s long history are discussed (e.g. the role of carbon dioxide and methane during glacial cycles, or the role of increased weathering and release of phosphorus into the environment after the uplift of the Himalayas) as well as the influence of humans in altering these cycles. Various examples are provided of the influence of the physical climate on biogeochemical cycles and vice versa. The last but one chapter reviews the concept of planetary boundaries (measures to mitigate or adapt to the effects of a changing climate) and the last chapter explores various arguments in support of identifying the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.
The book provides an overview of recent developments in Earth system research and gives a range of interesting examples that justify investigating links between physical and biogeochemical aspects. It provides a good overview of the current state of the art and indicates some of the uncertainties in recent research. The book is of interest to those who would like to know more about Earth system science in the broadest sense, and would like a text that provides a thorough introduction to a range of key aspects of the discipline. The discussion of climate change and changes in biogeochemical cycles during Earth’s geological history is particularly attractive and should be of interest to readers of The Holocene. The book could also serve as a textbook in undergraduate or graduate courses in Earth system science. The book is not intended as a specialist text on atmospheric physics or biogeochemistry.