natural systems

Question 1

what are systems made up of

Answer 1

inputs, outputs, stores, flows, boundaries

Question 2

what are inputs

Answer 2

when matter or energy is added to the system

Question 3

what are outputs

Answer 3

when matter or energy leaves the system

Question 4

what are stores

Answer 4

where matter or energy builds up

Question 5

what are flows

Answer 5

flows are also known as transfers, it is when matter or energy moves from one store to another

Question 6

what are boundaries

Answer 6

the limits of the system

Question 7

what is an open system

Answer 7

where both energy and matter can enter and leave an open system, there are inputs and outputs of both.

e.g. drainage basin is an open system

Question 8

what is a closed system

Answer 8

where matter cannot enter or leave the system, it can only cycle between the stores. energy can enter and leave a closed system

e.g. the carbon system is a closed system

Question 9

how are systems affected by feedbacks

Answer 9

• if the inputs and outputs of a system are balanced then the system is in equilibrium, the flows and processes continue to happen, but in the same way at all times, is here are no overall changes to the system.
• however there are small variations in the inputs and outputs of a system. these variations are usually small, so the inputs and outputs can cause a system to change and establish a new dynamic equilibrium
• large, long-term changes to the balance of inputs and outputs can cause a system to change and establish a new dynamic equilibrium
• changes can trigger positive or negative feedback

Question 10

what is positive feedback

Answer 10

• positive feedback mechanisms amplify the change in inputs and outputs
• this means the system responds by increasing the effects of the change, moving the system even further from its previous state

Question 11

what is negative feedback

Answer 11

• negative feedback mechanisms counteract the change in the inputs or outputs
• this means that the system responds by decreasing the effects of change, keeping the system closer to its previous state

Question 12

what are the 5 spheres

Answer 12

1. cryosphere
2. lithosphere
3. biosphere
4. hydrosphere
5. atmosphere

Question 13

what is the cryosphere

Answer 13

it includes all the parts of Earths system where it is cold enough for water to freeze, e.g. glacial landscapes

Question 14

what is the lithosphere

Answer 14

it is the outermost part of the Earth. it includes the crust and the upper parts of the mantle.

Question 15

what is the biosphere

Answer 15

it is the part of the earths system where all living things are found. it includes all of the living parts of the earth - plants, animals, birds, fungi, insects, bacteria

Question 16

what is the hydrophere

Answer 16

includes all of the water on earth, it may be in liquid, solid or gas form. it can be saline or fresh

Question 17

what is the atmosphere

Answer 17

it is a layer of gas between the earths surface and space held in place by gravity

Question 18

what is the storage of water

Answer 18

• the hydrophere contains 1.4 sextillion litres of water

-most water is saline, only 3% is freshwater

• of the fresh water 69% is frozen in the cryosphere, 30% is groundwater, 0.3% is liquid freshwater on the Earths surface in lakes, rivers etc
• 0.04% is stored as water vapour in the atmosphere

Question 19

what is the global hydrological cycle

Answer 19

it is where the water is constantly cycled between stores, it is a closed system