coastal system Flashcards
what type of system is the coast
open
what is an open system
one that has inputs the originate from outside the system, and outputs that go to other natural systems
give an example of an input that originates from outside the coastal system
sediment, carried into the coastal zone by rivers
give an example of an output to another natural system in the coastal system
eroded rock material transported offshore to the ocean
what is an input
material or energy moving into the system from the outside
give an example of an input
precipitation, wind
what is an output
material or energy moving from the system to the outside
give an example of an output
ocean currents, rip tides, sediment transfer, evaporation
what is energy within a system
power or driving force
give an example of energy within a system
energy associated with flowing water, the effects of gravity on cliffs and moving air (wind energy transferred to wave energy
what are stores / components within a system
the individual elements or parts of a system
give examples of stores / components
beach, sand dunes, nearshore sediment
what are flows / transfers within a system
the links or relationships between the components
give examples of flows / transfers
wind-blown sand, mass movement processes, longshore drift
what is positive feedback
where a flow / transfer leads to increase or growth
