earth systems concepts Flashcards
input-output=
storage change
if input exceeds output
surplus
if output exceeds input
deficit
an open system is
a system with inputs of energy or matter and outputs of energy or matter
a closed system is
a system where energy is both an input and an output, but it does not exchange matter with its surroundings
earth system is an open system in terms of
energy
earth system is a closed system in terms of _____________________, and _______________
physical matter and resources
example of an open system
forest
feedback loop
outputs of a system influence the systems operation through a link
negative feedback
the system produces an output that brings the system back to its “original” state: increasing the input will decrease the change in the system. the feedback information prevents change in the system
for example on a hot summer day your body temperature rises and you begin to sweat. Sweat evaporates from your skin, cooling you and reducing your body temperature towards its “normal” temperature
positive feeback
the feedback information increases the change in the system - a runway condition
for example sea ice albedo feedback
albedo
the ratio of reflected solar radiation to the total incoming solar radiation
spatial and temporal scales
natural processes and human activities occur over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales
matter and energy may flow at different rates:
rates may be subject to cyclical change
Differenciate between open and closed feedback systems provide and example for each
an open system inputs and outputs energy as well as matter, but a closed system only inputs and outputs energy and doesnt effect matter around it
example of open system a forest
example of a closed system earth system as a whole
