Systems Flashcards
What is the hydrosphere?
A discontinuous layer of water at or near the earths surface-includes all liquid, frozen surface waters, groundwater held in soil and rock and atmospheric water vapour
What is the biosphere?
The total sum of all living matter- the biological component of the earths systems
What are open systems?
Mass & energy are allowed to transfer across the system boundary freely
What are closed systems?
Only has transfers of energy in and out of the system boundary, not matter (eg. Water cycle)
What is an isolated system?
No interaction between the system and its surroundings (eg. Controlled lab experiments) very rare in nature
What are sediment cells?
A largely self-contained stretch of coastline, regarded as closed systems
What does each major sediment cell have?
Many smaller sub-cells
What is dynamic equilibrium?
A balance between inputs and outputs in a system
What is feedback?
When an element changes and the equilibrium is upset
What is negative feedback?
When an action leads to something becoming less than it was before- can be good or bad
What is positive feedback?
When an action leads to something becoming more than its was before- could be good or bad
What is the case study?
The holderness coast
What are some examples of positive feedback on the holderness coast?
Flamborough head- climate change and sea level rise could result in greater erosion at the base of the headland
Greater erosion of the wave cut notch
Chalk eroded material could lead to greater abrasion rate
What is an example of negative feedback on the holderness coast?
Flamborough head- chalk deposits could act as a sea defence reducing the rate of erosion (rock armour)
What are stores/components?
Landforms such as beaches, dunes and spits
