Estimation of thermodynamic parameters of the biosphere, based on remote sensing

A method that allows the estimation of the thermodynamic parameters of the biosphere has been developed. It results in the subdivision of the following four phase states of the biosphere: three equilibrium states: “white planet” with high albedo and low entropy; temperate forest in winter with high entropy; and desert with high entropy; and one nonequilibrium state: the “active forests” with low entropy, high information gain and the highest exergy values. The phase shift to a nonequilibrium state happens when albedo is less than 0.2.

► A method allows thermodynamic parameters estimation of biosphere has been developed. ► It results in the subdivision of the following four phase states of the biosphere. ► Three equilibrium states: “white planet” with high albedo and low entropy. ► Temperate forest in winter with high entropy; and desert with high entropy. ► One nonequilibrium state: low entropy “active forests”, high information and exergy.