1 Coastal Systems Flashcards
Define the coast
The narrow zone where the sea and land overlap (an interface zone)
Interaction of terrestrial, atmospheric and marine processes and human intervention
Define a system
Set of inter-related components (stores) and processes (links) that are connected together to form a working unit or unified whole
Define input
Transfer of matter and/or energy from a neighbouring system
Define output
The loss of matter and/or energy to a neighbouring system
Define a store
Components (objects) within the system where energy and/or matter it stored, and which are connected by flows (processes)
Define a flow/transfer
The processes that link the stores within a systems
Define throughputs
The internal elements of a system (stores and flows)
Define an open system
Inputs/outputs of energy and matter across system boundaries
Define a closed system
A closed system with inputs and outputs of energy across the system boundaries but no input or outputs of matter
What are the terrestrial processes at the coast?
Geology
Rivers
Relief
Vegetation
What are the marine processes at the coast?
Waves
Storm surge
Tides
Current
Tsunamis
Sea level change
What are the atmospheric processes at the coast?
Change of atmospheric composition
Wind
Atmospheric pressure
Temperature
What are the human intervention processes at the coast?
Tourism
Trade
Fishing
Water Pollution
Transport
Coastal management
Leisure
Sand Extraction
Draw an open system
Energy input –> STORE Energy output
^ Transfer
Matter input –> STORE Matter output
Draw a closed system
Energy input –> STORE Energy output
^ Transfer
STORE