EBBT: Sunlight
Contents
Factors
Contemporary Sunlight
Most ecosystems use photosynthesis to convert contemporary energy into biomass, the basis of food chains (Kilbert, Sendzimir, Guy; Construction Ecology, 2002).
Humans rely on the energy of ancient sunlight stored in fossil fuels.
Free Energy
Solar radiation drives oxygen production, hydrological cycle, wind and water currents (Xiong, Bauer; Complex evolution of photosynthesis, Annual Review of Plant Biology, v53 pp503-521, 2002)
Organisms can use 'free energy' such as wind and water currents, in addition to nutrients through food chains (Baumeister, Presentation at the University of Washington, 2007)
Temporal Orientation
Diurnal, annual (and longer) biological cycles are determined by earth's rotation and its influence on solar gravitational force [as well as solar radiation]. These influence migration patterns and flowering seasons.
Spatial Orientation
Many plants can position themselves in relationship to the sun, thereby maximizing photosynthesis (Benyus, Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature, 1997).
Solar radiation influences microclimate through wind and rain patterns, and in turn determine the range of organisms within an ecosystem as well as their formation.
Applications
Contemporary Energy
Use energy derived from contemporary sunlight in the built environment. (Kellert; Building for Life, 2005)
Climate
Site and organize the build environment according to climate. (Kellert; Building for Life, 2005)
