Systems Flashcards
What is a system?
A group of interacting parts connected by flows or transfers of energy, material or matter
What is an open system (with example)?
A system that transfers both matter and energy across its boundary (eg. Drainage basin)
What is a closed system?
A system which only allows energy and not matter to cross the system boundary (eg. The Earth)
What is an isolated system?
A system which does not allow matter or energy to cross the system boundary (eg. Laboratory)
What is dynamic equilibrium?
A state of balance in a constantly changing natural system, the operation of which attempts to balance inputs with outputs
What is positive feedback?
A cyclical sequence that increases or amplifies an initial change in a natural system
What is negative feedback?
A cyclical sequence that decreases/diminishes an initial change in a natural system and tends to return the system to a state of equilibrium or balance
What is a store/component in a system?
A part of the system where energy/mass is stored or transformed
What are flows/connections in systems?
Where matter or energy moves in the system (eg. Evaporation)
What are elements in a system?
The kinds of parts that make up a system (eg. Plants)
What are attributes in a system?
Characteristics of the elements that may be perceived and measured (eg. Size, colour)
What are relationships in a system?
The associations that occur between elements and attributes (eg. Size of raindrops)
What is a boundary in a system?
The outer edge/limit to a system
What is a subsystem (with example)?
A system that is a component of a larger system (eg. Cryosphere)
What are the 5 subsystems of the Earth and where is a store of water in each
Atmosphere - clouds, water vapour
Cryosphere - glaciers, sea ice
Lithosphere - aquifers, hot springs
Biosphere - plants, animals
Hydrosphere - oceans, rivers
What is the Zone of Aeration and the Zone of Saturation? What sits between them?
Zone of Aeration - gaps in soil filled with both air and water
Zone of Saturation - gaps in soil filled with water
Water table sits between them
Name the two jet streams and where they are found
Subtropical jet stream - 30 degrees
Polar jet stream - 60 degrees
