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
