Geography - Water and Carbon Cycles - Natural Systems Flashcards
1
Q
Systems Models
A
- involve energy or matter flowing between components
- components (stores) are linked through flows (transfers)
2
Q
isolated system
A
no inputs or outputs
-rare in nature
3
Q
closed system
A
inputs and outputs of energy but not matter
i.e. the water/carbon cycle
4
Q
open system
A
inputs and outputs of both energy and matter
i.e. drainage basin system
5
Q
3 types of systems
A
isolated
closed
open
6
Q
dynamic equilibrium
A
a system is in a state of dynamic equilibrium if the inputs and the outputs are balanced
7
Q
feedback
A
if an element of the system changed the equilibrium will be upset
8
Q
types of feedback
A
positive
negative
9
Q
positive feedback
A
means that the system experiences further change, continuing the disruption to the equilibrium
10
Q
negative feedback
A
stabilises the system, allowing it to maintain its dynamic equilibrium
