1.1. What Is A System? Flashcards
Cryosphere
All parts of the Earth’s system where it’s cold enough for water to freeze
Lithosphere
Outermost part of the Earth- crust and solidified upper mantle
Biosphere
Where living organisms are found
Hydrosphere
All the water on the earth- liquid, solid or gas form
Atmosphere
Layer of gas between Earth’s surface and space, held in place by gravity
Equilibrium
Inputs and outputs of a system are balanced
Dynamic equilibrium
When there are minor inputs/outputs but they do little to change the overall balance of the system
Positive feedback
A change to an input which amplifies the output of a system
Negative feedback
Change to an input which nullifies the output of a system
What is feedback?
Feedback loops are a series of events which are triggered by an initial change.
The knock on effect leads to a change in the effectiveness of one or more processes
Inputs
When matter or energy is added to the system
Outputs
When matter or energy leaves the system
Store
Where matter or energy builds up
Flows
Where matter or energy moves from one store to another
Boundaries
Limits of the system
