Lesson 1-What are the different systems in Geography?

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

• A balanced equilibrium that contains a series of inputs and outputs that are constantly interchanging

Question 2

Inputs

Answer 2

• Waves
• Wind
• Rivers
• Cliffs

Question 3

Outputs

Answer 3

• Ocean currents
• Storms
• Humans
• Wind

Question 4

Transfers

Answer 4

• Longshore drift
• Wind

Question 5

Different systems

Answer 5

• Open systems
• Closed systems
• Isolated systems
• Cascading systems

Question 6

Open systems

Answer 6

• In a system that can transfer energy and matter in and out. This means it has inputs and outputs from the system

Question 7

Closed systems

Answer 7

• Is a system that transfers energy, but not matter across its boundary to the surrounding envrironment

Question 8

Isolated systems

Answer 8

• Do not share matter or energy with their surroundings and rarely exist in nature but the nearest would be a coconut

Question 9

Cascading systems

Answer 9

• Cascading systems are where energy and materials are transferred from one subsystem to another
• The output of one system becomes the input of another; alluvium from a river cascades into another coastal system

Question 10

What type of system is earth?

Answer 10

In general, the earth is typically classed as a closed system.
-as energy from the sun came come into the earth but no matter like water
-however, there are 4 sub suystems occuring on the earth
-Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere and Hydrosphere

Question 11

Sub-systems- Atmosphere

Answer 11

Refers to the interaction of gases around the planet

Question 12

Sub systems-Lithosphere

Answer 12

Interaction of the solid, semi-solid and liquid land of the planets crust

Question 13

Sub systems-Biosphere

Answer 13

Interaction of biological life within the planet

Question 14

Sub systems- Hydosphere

Answer 14

Interaction of water on our planet

Question 15

Key words- Stores/ Components

Answer 15

Where energy or matter is held until processes are in place to move them

Question 16

Key words-Inputs

Answer 16

Elements put into a system o be processed

Question 17

Key words- Flows/transfers

Answer 17

The movement of energy or matter through the system; involves processes that may create change

Question 18

Key words-Outputs

Answer 18

The outcome of processing within a system

Question 19

Key words- Boundaries

Answer 19

Barriers between systems that energy and matter can be exchanged across

Question 20

Key words- Dynamic systems

Answer 20

Where the balance of inputs and outputs is moderated to maintain a steady balance; is sometimes known as self-regulation

Question 21

Key words- Positive feedback

Answer 21

Where a change causes a further effect, thereby continuing or even accelerating the original change

Question 22

Key words- Negative feedback

Answer 22

Where a change causes a lessening effect and can sometimes reverse the original change

Question 23

What is equlibrium in depth?

Answer 23

Any disturbance will affect the balance and throw the system into change
-to return a system into balance, a system of feedback loops is employed

Question 24

Dynamic equlibrium

Answer 24

• Nature isdynamic
• Constant short-term adjustments, usually through negative feedback, are made to maintain the balance and this is referred to as ‘dynamic equilibrium’
• As nature does not stand still, over time, the whole system may change to another system

Question 25

What happens where there is a change in the system?

Answer 25

• Outputs can increase
• No change in outputs but stores change by increasing and the equilibrium is upset.