Systems Theory in Earth Sciences Flashcards
What is Systems Theory?
A way or a method of comprehending the world as a whole.
What is the meaning of system in system theory?
Its the name of an order. And is defined as a unified whole or set of interrelated and interacting elements/ components.
What is a system approach?
It helps in understanding the interconnections in natural processes. It is any set of ordered, interrelated components linked by the flow of energy and matter.
If a system processes inputs into outputs, what does each system consist of?
Each system consists of boundaries, components, interactions between components, inputs and outputs.
Give examples of system.
Climate, water system, plant ecology, human society, economy, etc. (Harvey, 1967, 447-459)
Give the inputs and outputs of an open system.
Inputs: energy and matter flow into the system.
Outputs: energy and matter flow out of the system.
Explain how an open system functions.
Open systems have porous boundaries through which useful feedback can readily be exchanged and understood.
Give an example of how open systems work using the Earth.
Earth is an open system in terms of solar energy that enters freely and heat energy leaves going back into space.
Other than Earth, which other two processes are open systems?
Leaves- Photosynthesis: The food prepared by the process of photosynthesis is called sugar. Stems and branches of the plant take the prepared food from the leaves to other parts of the plants. Extra food is stored as starch in roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and in flowers.
Drainage basins: solar energy, precipitation, soil and rock particles are inputs and water and sediments are outputs that are discharged to the ocean.
What are closed systems?
A self-contained system that is shut out from the surroundings.
How is Earth a closed system?
In terms of physical resources and matter- air, water, and material resources. Except for hydrogen gas lost into the atmosphere and meteorites and cosmic dust that enter the earth from space.
True or False: A closed system has boundaries open to the passage of energy but not of matter.
True
What is a isolated system?
A system that is completely cut off from surroundings and that cannot therefore import or export matter or energy. (Huggett 2011)
An example of an isolated system.
The universe.
What is systems feedback?
The modification or control of a process or system by its results or effects. Process in which the effect or output of an action is ‘returned’ (fed-back) to modify the next action.
