coastal landscapes as a system

Question 1

what is a system

Answer 1

a system is described as a set of interrelated components (stores) and processes (links) that are connected together to form a working unit. A system will have inputs, throughputs (stores) and outputs and can be described as open or closed

Question 2

give 2 examples of inputs to a coastal landscape

Answer 2

• wave and wind energy (kinetic)
• sunshine (thermal energy)

Question 3

give 2 examples of flows in a coastal landscape

Answer 3

• longshore drift (wave movement along the beach
• wave movement on and off the beach

Question 4

give 2 examples of outputs in a coastal landscape

Answer 4

• sediment taken away by wind
• weathered material from cliffs

Question 5

what is a closed system

Answer 5

one where there is input transfer an output of energy but not off matter i.e. everything stays within the system

Question 6

what is an open system

Answer 6

there are inputs, outputs of energy and matter. most environmental systems are open systems

Question 7

what is a sediment cell

Answer 7

a closed system where the sediment is self contained on the coast line

Question 8

what is meant by negative feedback

Answer 8

negative feedback, is an automatic response to a change in a system, that restores equilibrium

Question 9

what is meant by a system being in equilibrium

Answer 9

when the systems inputs, are equal to the systems outputs.n

Question 10

what are the key features of a sediment cell

Answer 10

• discreet and function differently
• sediment,m is sourced, within the cell
• spit on land, within the cells
• geographically bindinded (like on by an estuary)