Systems Flashcards
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards a specific process
Open system
Closed system
Isolated system
Inputs
Material/ energy moving into the system from the outside
e.g
* Precipitation
* Leaf fall during autumn
* Seeds carried by wind and birds
Output
Material/energy moving from the system to the outside
e.g
* Runoff
* Evaporation
* Seed dispersal
Energy
Power/ driving force
e.g
* Latent Heat
Stores/Components
Individual elements/parts of a system
e.g
* Water (puddles)
* Soil
* Plants
Flows/transfers
The links/relationships between the components
e.g
* Photosynthesis
* Infiltration
* Transpiration
Positive Feedback
A cyclical sequence of events that amplifies or increases change
* It exacerbates the outputs of a system
* It promotes environmental instability
Dynamic equilibrium
Represents a state of balance etween inputs and outputs within a constanly changing system
Negative feedback
A cyclical sequence of events that nullifies or neutralises the effects of a system
* Promotes stability
* Leads to state of dynamic equilibrium
