Coasts: Key Words Flashcards
System
A system is a set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process
Isolated system
A system that has no interactions beyond its boundary layer
Closed system
A system that transfers energy, but not matter, across its boundary to the surrounding environment
Open system
A system that transfers both matter and energy across its boundary to the surrounding environment
Input
Addition of matter, energy or information to a system
Output
Movement of matter, energy or information out of a system
Stores / components
Matter, energy or information is stored
The individual elements or parts of a system
Energy
Power or driving force
Flows / transfers
The links or relationships between the components
Positive feedback
A cyclical sequence of events that amplifies or increases change
Environmental instability.
Negative feedback
A cyclical sequence of events that neutralises the effects of a system, promoting stability and a state of dynamic equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium
This represents a state of balance within a constantly changing system
Cryosphere
The frozen water part of the earths system
Lithosphere
The rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle
Hydrosphere
A discontinuous layer of water at or near the earths surface. It includes all liquid and frozen surface waters, groundwater held in soil and rock and atmospheric water vapour
Oceanic water
The water contained in the earths oceans and seas, but not including such inland seas as a the Caspian Sea
Atmospheric water
Water found in the atmosphere; mainly water vapour with some liquid and ice crystals
Cryospheric water
The water locked up on the earths surface as ice
Terrestrial water
This consists of groundwater, soil moisture, lakes, wetlands and rivers.
Adaptation
Adjusting behaviour to fit the environment
Mitigation
Reducing the severity of hazards or other problems
Resilience
Being able to cope with the challenges the environment presents
Discordant coastline
A discordant coastline occurs where bands of different rock type run perpendicular to the coast
Concordant coastline
A concordant coastline is where layers of differing rock types are folded into ridges that run parallel to the coast
Biosphere
Composed of all living organisms.
