Systems Approach to Astrobiology

ISBN-13: 9781032116280 / Angielski / Miękka / 2023 / 168 str.

Vera M. Kolb; Benton C. Clark

Opis

Systems thinking/analysis is widely applied for solving complex problems in engineering and certain other fields. Astrobiology, which inherently involves complex problems, can benefit from such an approach. This book provides the background and methodology of this approach for professionals, upper-level undergraduate students, and others with an interest in astrobiology topics.

In addition, this book constitutes a valuable resource not only for astrobiology, but also for its foundational disciplines, e.g., chemistry, physics, astronomy, biology, biochemistry, geology, and planetary geology.

Features

• Surveys of the systems approach to analyzing and understanding multifaceted, complex problems in astrobiology, written by two scientists who also have engineering backgrounds
• Systems applications to areas important to astrobiology, such as chemical evolution, prebiotic chemistry, geochemical/geophysical settings conducive to emergence of life, robotic space exploration, and much more
• Wide appeal for all readers interested in the origin and occurrence of life in our Solar System and beyond.

Spis treści

1. What is Astrobiology? 2. Examples of Complex Problems in Astrobiology. 3. An Overview of the Systems Approach to the Understanding and Solving Complex Problem as Relevant to Astrobiology. 4. Application of Systems Analysis to Defining Life. 5. Systems Chemistry. 6. Prebiotic Chemistry. 7. Systems Approach to Prebiotic Chemical Evolution that led to Life. 8. Systems Approach to the Origin of Life, including Abiotic-to-Biotic (a-2-b) Transition. 9. Systems Biology and its Relevance to Prebiotic Chemical Systems that led to Life. 10 Application of Systems Analysis to Additional Complex Astrobiology Problems. 11. Transport of Life Between Planets. 12. Retrospective on the General Applicability of Our Block Diagram. Bibliography.