Information indices from ecological network analysis for urban metabolic system

The system analysis of urban metabolic system, still a black box in urban research, has been underlined recently due to its important role in assessing the sustainability of urban ecosystem. An interpreation of the information indices from ecological network analysis when combined with urban metaboic research, however, has not been addressed systematically. In this study, a conceptual network model o urban metabolic systems was developed based on the identification of seven compartments. Emergy anaysis and extended exergy analysis were introduced in order to define the proper way of quantifing th material and energy flows within the system. After that, the information indices derived from ecoloical network analysis such as developmental capacity, ascendancy, overload were proposed as the potential indicators reflecting the sustainability of urban development. An interpretation of these informtion indices when embedded into urban metabolic system was conducted to further demonstrate their potential application to urban research. With the qualification and interpretation of these information indices from network analysis, this study may provide some lights on unfolding the black box.

KEYWORDS: Urban metabolism; Ecological network analysis; Ascendancy; Overhead

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