Energy Flow Systems

Killer Paper - Energy Flow Systems         Richard White's Organic Machine, and William Cronon's Changes in the Land, both examine environments as energy flow systems. The energy flow model was utilized by the authors to explain relationships within ecosystems.         Richard White's thesis is to examine the river as an organic machine, as an energy system that, although modified by human intervention, maintains it's natural, its "unmade" qualities. White emphasizes on energy because it is a useful …

…this, the Indians create growth of small shrubs for the animals to hide in without destroying the forest. The sustained yield of crops and animals supported the Indian lifestyle until it was disturbed by European influences.         White and Cronon both use energy flow systems to explain environmental history. Energy is easy to look at in history because man has used it and changed it throughout time. Energy sustains life and is and ever lasting cycle.