1.1 - Natural Systems Flashcards
What does a system consist of?
Stores Flows Boundaries Input Outputs
Definition Input
When matter of energy is added to a system
Definition Output
When matter or energy leaves the system
Definition Stores
When matter or energy builds up
Definition Flows
When matter or energy moves from one store to another
Definition Boundaries
The limits of the system
Example of a system
In a drainage basin system.. input- rain boundary - watershed stores - in vegetation flows- down the river output - river meets the sea
What is an open system?
both energy and matter can enter and leave an open system- inputs and outputs
drainage basins are open systems
What is a closed system?
matter can’t enter or leave a closed system- only cycle between stores
energy can enter and leave - input or output
carbon cycle is a closed system
what has to be balanced to make the system in equilibrium
inputs and outputs
what is it when a system is in dynamic equilibrium
when there is a little variation in the inputs and outputs within a system, they remain balanced on average
Explain positive feedback
mechanisms amplify the change in the inputs and outputs
system responds by increasing the effects of the change moving it further from its previous state
Example of positive feedback
temperature rises
ice melts due to the higher temperatures
less ice, less reflection
less reflected, more absorbed by the earth
Explain negative feedback
mechanisms counteract the change in the inputs and outputs
system responds by decreasing the effects of the change, keeping the system closer to its previous state
Example of negative feedback
large amounts of co2 emitted co2 in the atmosphere co2 causes plants to increase growth plants remove and store more co2 amount if co2 in the atmosphere decreases
Is the earth an open or closed system
closed
suns energy input and output but no matter left
Name the 5 subsystems of the earth
cryosphere lithosphere biosphere hydrosphere atmosphere
Explain cryosphere
all the parts of earth where its cold enough for water to freeze
eg. glacial landscapes
Explain lithosphere
outermost part of the earth
crust and upper mantle
Explain biosphere
part of earths system where living things are found
includes plants, animals, birds, fungi, insects and bacteria
Explain atmosphere
layer of gas between the earths surface and space, held in place by gravity
Explain hydrosphere
all the water on earth
liquid, solid or gas form
saline or fresh
what moves through the subsystems
matter and energy
output of one is the input of another
Definition cascading system
how matter and energy move from one system to another
