Natural Systems Flashcards
What is a system made up of?
Stores Flows Inputs Outputs Boundaries
As an example, what is a drainage basin system’s boundary?
The watershed
Definition of input?
When matter/energy is added to the system
Definition of output?
When matter/energy leaves the system
Definition of stores?
Build up of matter/energy
Definition of flows/ transfers.
movement of matter/energy through a system, allowing an input to become an output
Definition of boundaries?
The limits of the system
What’s an open system?
Both energy and matter CAN enter and leave
What is a closed system?
Matter CAN’T enter or leave- it can only cycle between stores
But
Energy CAN enter of leave- can be input or output
Why does the amount of matter stay the same in a closed system?
Because there are no inputs or outputs of either matter
What is the system in when the inputs and outputs are balanced?
Dynamic Equilibrium
What is dynamic equilibrium?
When inputs and outputs are balanced.
Explain what a positive feedback system is in water and carbon cycles
Where a change in a system amplifies the effects
Give an example of a positive feedback in water and carbon cycles
Temps rise-> sea ice melted-> less ice means less reflection of sun->
Less reflection means more heat is absorbed-> circles back to temps rise
Give an example of a negative feedback in water and carbon cycles
Lots of CO2 emitted-> more CO2 In atmosphere-> extra CO2 causes increased plant growth-> plants remove CO2 and store it-> CO2 In atmosphere decreases
Explain what a negative feedback system is in water and carbon cycles.
Mechanism that counteracts effects when a change occurs
The whole earth is broken down into subsystems. Name the 5
Cryosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere
Describe the crypsphere
Portions of earth where water is in a solid state as it’s cold enough to freeze.
Eg- glacial landscapes
Describe the lithosphere
Is the outermost part of the earth, including the crust and the upper parts of the mantle.
Describe the Biosphere
Part of the earths systems where living things are found- includes ALL- plants, animals, birds, fungi, insects, bacteria etc
Describe the Hydrosphere
Includes ALL forms of water on earth.
This may be liquid (rivers), solid (ice in the cryosphere) or gas (water vapour in the atmosphere). It can be salty (saline) or fresh.
Describe the atmosphere
The layer of gas between the earths surface and space, held in place by gravity.
All subsystems are …………… by the cycles and processes that keep the system running
Interlinked
The earth is said to be a cascading system. Define this.
Matter and energy move between subsystems- output of one cycle is the input of the next, then output of this cycle is the input of the cycle and so on……..
