Coasts as Natural systems Flashcards
physical systems and their application to coastal landscapes.
Define system
A process or collection of processes that transfers inputs into outputs.
What is an open system?
A system where both mass and energy are allowed to cross a system boundary.
Define dynamic equlibrium.
The balanced state of a system when its inputs and outputs are equal.
What is feedback?
A process that was the conditions of one component to regulate the function of another.
What is positive feedback?
When the process tends to increase the change in the system.
What is negative feedback?
When the process seeks to counter the change and maintain equilibrium.
What is an input?
Things needed to produce something.
What is an output?
The results of the processes.
Define closed system.
A system with a fixed mass, no matter flow takes place across the system boundry.
Name the earths subsystems and what they are.
Hydrosphere= water
Biosphere= living matter
Lithosphere=Rocks
Atmosphere= Gases
Give examples of the coasts energy inputs.
Wind, waves and tides
Give examples of the coasts material inputs.
Products of cliff erosion, fluvial and glacial processes.
Give examples of the coasts energy and material outputs.
sediment on beaches, sediment carried offshore.
Give examples of the coasts stores.
Beaches, dunes, salt marshes, cliffs and wave cut platforms.
What are the 4 factors making the coast a dynamic equilibrium?
- supply of sand
- energy of the waves
- changes in the sea level
- location of the shoreline.
