The Invisible Foundations of Science and Technology/Physical and Chemical Processes Governing Earth SystemsAuthor: Dr. Hossein Ataei FarAbstract...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Ambassador for Sustainability | Water & Energy PPP Finance Facilitator
Author: Dr. Hossein Ataei Far
Abstract
Public understanding of science and technology focuses on visible artifacts—digital platforms, machines, and engineered systems. Most scientific activity occurs through invisible physical and chemical reactions in Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere (Smil, 2022; Brasseur et al., 2021; Steffen et al., 2020).
1. Science Beyond Interfaces
Science is often equated with technology use, creating the illusion that operation implies understanding. Familiarity with devices can obscure the underlying thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, quantum mechanics, and electrochemistry (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021; Atkins et al., 2022).
2. Atmospheric Chemistry
The atmosphere acts as a solar-driven chemical reactor. Ozone formation, nitrogen oxidation, and secondary aerosol production regulate UV shielding, pollutant lifetimes, and climate forcing while remaining imperceptible (Brasseur et al., 2021; Seinfeld & Pandis, 2021; Jacob, 2022; IPCC, 2021).
3. Soil Chemistry
Soils are dynamic electrochemical systems. Ion exchange, redox reactions, and microbial processes govern nutrient availability, carbon sequestration, groundwater quality, and ecosystem resilience (Schlesinger & Bernhardt, 2020; Rabot et al., 2020; Lehmann & Joseph, 2023).
4. Aquatic Systems
Natural waters are chemically active, shaped by continuous speciation and equilibria. Carbonate buffering, redox stratification, and solubility-controlled transport of metals and nutrients determine water quality, productivity, and stability (Stumm & Morgan, 2023; Zeebe & Ridgwell, 2022; UNESCO WWAP, 2023).
5. Photochemical Energy Conversion
Photodegradation regulates pollutant persistence and material stability (Blankenship, 2021; Nelson & Junge, 2022; Schwarzenbach et al., 2023).
6. Thermodynamic Inevitability
Processes like corrosion, decomposition, and weathering reflect thermodynamic equilibrium rather than failure. Corrosion minimizes electrochemical energy, while decomposition and mineral weathering regulate elemental cycles and atmospheric CO₂ over geological timescales (Atkins et al., 2022; Revie & Uhlig, 2021; Steffen et al., 2020).
7. Climate Dynamics
Climate arises from molecular-scale interactions, where greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation through vibrational modes. Small compositional changes can trigger nonlinear responses via radiative feedbacks and thermodynamic coupling (IPCC, 2021; Brasseur et al., 2021).
8. Conclusion
The central misconception in science and technology is not ignorance but misplaced confidence in visible interfaces. The apparent 5%—devices and applications—rests on an invisible 95% of physical and chemical processes that govern Earth systems and enable all technological functions (Smil, 2022).
Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/olawale-kolawole-751a3514_knowledge-car-technology-activity-7407374964313567234-j8-C?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEBDhzIBsyuiuDI0-eiNhRpHh9ad-Axkqtk