water and carbon cycle Flashcards
define energy
the ability to do work
define flow/transfer
a form of linkage between one store and another that involves movement of energy/mass
define input
the addition of matter/energy into a system
define output
the result of the processes within a system
define store/component
a part of a system where energy/mass is stored or transformed
define a system
a set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process
define elements
things that make up a system
define attributes
the perceived characteristics of an element
define relationships
descriptions of how the various elements work together to carry out some kindof process
what are the simplifications of the relationships between components in the earth called
models
give an example of a model
the water cycle
what are the characteristic of a system
they have a structure that lies within a boundary
they are generalisations of reality
function by having inputs and outputs of material
involve the flow of material between components
what can systems be classified as
isolated
closed
open
define an isolated system
these have no interactions with anything outside of the system boundary
these are rare in nature
there is no input or output of energy or matter
define a closed system
these have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter
define a closed system
these have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter
define a closed systems
these are where matter and energy can be transferred in and out of the system boundary
define dynamic equilibrium
when there is a balance between the inputs and outputs of a system
natural state of balance
define positive feedback
when the effects of an action are amplified by knock-on secondary effects
define negative feedback
when the effects of an action are nullified by its knock-on secondary effects
how much of total water is fresh water?
2.5% and 99% of it is in the cryosphere
Name the 3 types of rainfall
frontal
convectional
relief
describe relief rainfall
Moist air is forced to rise due to hills and mountains causing it to cool and condense and rain.
Describe frontal rainfall
warm and cold air masses meet and the lighter warm air is forced to rise over the colder denser air leading it to cool and condense forming rain