Systems framework Flashcards
Energy meaning
The ability to do work. In physical geography, this mainly comes from the sun.
Flow/transfer
A form of linkage between one store/ component and another that involves movement of energy or mass.
Input
The addition of matter and/or energy into a system.
Output
The results of the processes within a system.
Store/component
A part of the system where energy/mass is stored or transformed.
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process.
Elements
Things that make up the system of interest.
Attributes
The perceived characteristics of the elements.
Relationships
Descriptions of how the various elements (and their attributes) work together to carry out some kind of process.
Isolated systems
These have no interactions with anything outside the system boundary. There is no input or output of energy or matter. Many controlled laboratory experiments are this type of system and they are rare in nature.
Closed systems
These have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter.
Open systems
These are where matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into the environment. Most ecosystems are examples of open systems.
Dynamic equilibrium
The stores stay the same, there is a balance between inputs and outputs.
Positive feedback
The effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on or secondary effects.
Negative feedback
Where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects.
Example of a cascading system
Atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere
They form a chain and interlink.
