Systems Thinking Flashcards

1
Q

What is Holism?

A

Recognition that a system is more that the sum of its parts, and understanding the interactions and relationships among those parts

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2
Q

Citations for Holism

A

Wright (2011)

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3
Q

What is emergence?

A

Acknowledging that complex systems exhibit behaviors and properties that emerge from the interactions of their components, and cannot be solely explained by analyzing individual parts.

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4
Q

Citations for emergence

A

Novoa (2015)

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5
Q

What are feedback loops

A

Identifying and understanding the feedback loops within a system, which can be reinforcing (amplifying) or balancing (stabilizing), influencing the system’s behavior over time.

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6
Q

citation for feedback loops

A

Strahler (1980)

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7
Q

What is Causality?

A

Considering multiple causes and effects, recognizing that events and outcomes in a system are often interconnected and result from various factors.

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8
Q

Citation for Causality

A

Zhang (2023)

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9
Q

What are boundaries?

A

Defining clear boundaries for the system under consideration, recognizing what is included and excluded, and understanding how the system interacts with its environment.

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10
Q

Citation for boundaries

A

Prescott (2014)

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11
Q

What is non-linearity?

A

Acknowledging that the relationships within a system are often non-linear, meaning that small changes can lead to disproportionate or unexpected outcomes.

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12
Q

Citation for non-linearity?

A

phillips (2003)

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13
Q

Dynamics over Time

A

Emphasizing the temporal aspect of systems, understanding how the system evolves and changes over time, and considering historical patterns and trends.

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14
Q

Citations for dynamics over time

A

Plummer (2006)

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15
Q

Interconnectedness

A

Appreciating the interconnected nature of systems, where changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.

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16
Q

Spatial Elements

A

Geography focuses on the spatial aspects of the Earth’s surface, including physical features (landforms, climate, vegetation), human activities (settlements, transportation, agriculture), and the interactions between the two. These spatial elements are the components of the geographical system.

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17
Q

Interconnectedness

A

Components of geography are not isolated entities; they are interconnected and influence each other. For example, changes in land use patterns can affect ecosystems, and economic activities can shape urban development. Recognizing these interconnections is essential for understanding the holistic nature of geography.

18
Q

Cultural and Social Dynamics

A

Geographic systems encompass cultural and social dimensions. Understanding how cultural practices, social structures, and human behaviors contribute to the shaping of landscapes and the distribution of populations is integral to a comprehensive geographical analysis.

19
Q

Spatial Scales

A

a crucial role in systems thinking, influencing how we understand and analyze complex systems. When applying systems thinking to geographical phenomena, it’s important to consider different scales, ranging from local to global.

20
Q

Multiscale Interactions:

A

Systems thinking recognizes that phenomena at one spatial scale can interact with and influence phenomena at other scales. For example, changes in local land use patterns may have regional or global environmental consequences. Understanding these multiscale interactions is fundamental to grasping the complexity of geographical systems

21
Q

Scale Dependencies

A

Components within a geographical system often exhibit scale dependencies. Certain processes or patterns may be more evident or impactful at specific scales. For instance, urban planning decisions at the local level can have direct consequences for the quality of life in a neighborhood, while broader regional policies may affect the overall urban structure.

22
Q

Hierarchical Relationships

A

Spatial scales in geography often exhibit hierarchical relationships. Larger scales may encompass and influence smaller scales, and vice versa. Systems thinking helps in unraveling these hierarchical relationships, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of how phenomena at different scales are interconnected.

23
Q

Types of Flows

A

Human Migration: Movement of people across regions or countries, whether for work, lifestyle, or other reasons.
Trade Flows: Movement of goods and services between regions, nations, or even continents, influencing economic relationships.
Information Flows: Transmission of data, knowledge, and communication through various channels, including the internet, telecommunications, and media.
Energy Flows: Transfer of energy resources such as electricity, oil, and natural gas within and between geographical areas.
Resource Flows: Movement of natural resources, such as water, minerals, and agricultural products, often influenced by environmental and economic factors.

23
Q

Spatial Patterns

A

Flows exhibit distinct spatial patterns, influenced by geographical features, topography, infrastructure, and human activities.
Urban areas may experience high concentrations of transportation and information flows, while rural areas may be characterized by agricultural and resource-related flows.

24
Q

Networks and Connectivity

A

Flows are often structured within networks that facilitate their movement. Transportation networks, communication networks, and trade routes are examples of spatially organized systems that govern flows.
Connectivity between different locations is crucial for the efficient functioning of flows, and the development of transportation and communication infrastructure influences these patterns.

25
Q

Material Flows

A

Material flows involve the movement of tangible, physical substances or objects from one place to another.

26
Q

examples of material flows

A

Goods and Commodities: The transportation of physical products such as manufactured goods, raw materials, and agricultural produce.
Natural Resources: The movement of materials like water, minerals, and energy resources.
Waste Management: The disposal and movement of waste materials for recycling or proper disposal.

27
Q

Non-material Flows

A

Non-material flows pertain to the movement or transfer of intangible entities, typically involving information, ideas, or concepts.

28
Q

Examples of non-material flows

A

Information Flows: The transfer of data, knowledge, and communication through channels such as the internet, telecommunications, and media.
Financial Transactions: The movement of money or financial instruments between individuals, businesses, or countries.
Cultural Exchange: The flow of ideas, beliefs, and cultural influences among people or societies.

29
Q

Nature of transfer of material flows

A

Involve the physical displacement of substances, often requiring transportation infrastructure and logistics.

30
Q

Nature of transfer of non-material flows

A

Typically involve communication channels, digital networks, or financial systems for the transfer of intangible entities.

31
Q

Visibility of material flows

A

Often more visible and tangible, as they involve physical objects that can be observed and measured.

32
Q

Visibility of non-material flows

A

Less visible, as they involve abstract concepts and information that may not have a physical presence.

33
Q

Topography impact

A

Mountains, valleys, and other topographical features can act as natural barriers or facilitators for flows. They influence the ease of transportation and can redirect the movement of people, goods, and resources.

34
Q

Topography impact

A

Mountain ranges may hinder direct transportation routes, leading to the development of trade routes around or through mountain passes

35
Q

Water bodies impact

A

Oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes significantly influence the direction and intensity of flows. They serve as both barriers and conduits, affecting trade routes, migration patterns, and resource transportation.

36
Q

water bodies example

A

Major rivers often become transportation corridors for trade and migration, while oceans can form natural boundaries that influence global trade routes.

37
Q

Climate and Weather Patterns: Impact

A

Climate conditions and weather patterns affect the feasibility and intensity of certain flows. Harsh weather conditions may impede transportation, and climatic factors can influence the suitability of land for agriculture or settlement.

38
Q

Climate and Weather Patterns: example

A

Arctic climates may limit certain forms of economic activities and settlement, influencing the flow of people and resources.

39
Q

Amazon River System in spatial patter

A

The Amazon River system in South America is characterized by an extensive network of rivers and tributaries, forming the largest river basin in the world.

40
Q

Key Features and Spatial Dynamics: Amazon

A

River Network: The Amazon River, along with its tributaries like the Rio Negro and Madeira, creates a vast network of interconnected waterways.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The Amazon Basin is known for its rich biodiversity, and the spatial pattern of river systems contributes to the diverse ecosystems supporting numerous plant and animal species.
Transportation and Trade: Rivers serve as major transportation routes for goods and people within the basin, impacting the spatial distribution of settlements and economic activities.
Flooding and Agriculture: The seasonal flooding of the Amazon River influences agricultural practices. Communities adapt their land use patterns based on the river’s seasonal rise and fall.

41
Q
A