Systems (1.2) Flashcards
What is a system?
Systems are sets of interacting or interdependent components.
What is a systems approach?
A systems approach is a holistic way of visualising a complex set of interactions, and it can be applied to ecological or societal situations.
What does a system have?
A system has storages and flows,
What do flows provide?
Flows providing inputs and outputs of energy and matter.
What is a transfer?
A change in location of energy or matter.
What is a transformation?
A change in chemical nature, a change in state or a change in energy.
What is an open system?
A system where an exchange of energy and matter is being made with its environment.
What is a closed system?
A system where only energy is being exchanged with its environment (no matter).
What is a negative feedback loop?
Negative feedback loops occur when the output of a process inhibits or reverses the operation of the same process in such a way as to reduce change. They are stabilising as they counteract deviation.
What is a positive feedback loop?
Positive feedback loops occur when a disturbance leads to an amplification of that disturbance, destabilising the system and driving it away from its equilibrium.
What is a tipping point?
A tipping point is the minimum amount of changes that destabilises a system. It is “the point of no return” that results in a shift to a new equilibrium or stable state.
What is a model?
A model is a simplified representation of reality it can be used to understand how a system works and to predict how it will respond to change.
What is the resilience of a system?
The resilience of a system, ecological or social, refers to its tendency to avoid tipping points and maintain stability.
What makes a system more resilent?
The more complex it is the more resilient.
