Natural Systems

Question 1

What are the 5 components of a system?

Answer 1

Inputs
Outputs
Stores
Flows
Boundaries

Question 2

Define inputs

Answer 2

When matter/energy enters system

Question 3

Define outputs

Answer 3

When matter/energy leaves system

Question 4

Define stores

Answer 4

Where matter/energy builds up

Question 5

Define flows

Answer 5

When matter/energy moves from one store to another

Question 6

Define boundaries

Answer 6

Limits of a system

Question 7

What are the characteristics of open systems?

Answer 7

•Energy/matter can leave/enter

Question 8

What are the characteristics of a closed system?

Answer 8

• Matter can’t enter/leave, only flow between stores

* Energy can enter/leave

Question 9

What is positive feedback in a system?

Answer 9

• Change in inputs/outputs is amplified - system increases effect of change

Question 10

What is negative feedback in a system?

Answer 10

Change in inputs/outputs is nullified - system decreases effects of change

Question 11

What are the 5 subsystems on Earth?

Answer 11

Cryosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere

Question 12

What is the cryosphere?

Answer 12

Includes all parts of Earth where it’s cold enough for water to freeze

Question 13

What is the lithosphere?

Answer 13

Outer part of Earth from bottom up - includes crust and upper mantle

Question 14

What is the biosphere?

Answer 14

Where living organisms are found

Question 15

What is the hydrosphere?

Answer 15

Includes all water on Earth - can be in solid, liquid or gas form and saline or freshwater

Question 16

What is the atmosphere?

Answer 16

Layer of gas between Earth’s surface and space, held by gravity

Question 17

Why can Earth’s system be called a ‘Cascading System’?

Answer 17

Matter and energy moves from one subsystem to another