Water and Carbon Cycle Flashcards
What are natural systems made up of?
Stores Flows Boundaries Inputs Outputs
Input
When matter or energy is added to a system
Outputs
When matter or energy leaves the system
Stores or Components
where matter or energy moves from one store to another
Boundaries
the limits of the system
Open systems
Where energy and matter can leave a system. eg drainage basin
Closed Systems
When matter can’t ever of leave a closed system and it can only cycle between stores. Or when energy can enter and leave a c loser system where it can be input of output.
Positive feedback
It amplifies change in the inputs or outputs. This means the system responds by increasing the effects of the change and moves it further from its previous state.
Negative Feedback
Counteract the change in the inputs and outputs. This means the system responds by decreasing the effects of the change which keeps the system closer to its previous state.
Cryosphere
Includes all the parts of the earth system where its cold enough for water to freeze
Lithosphere
The outermost part of the Earth. It includes the crust and the upper parts of the mantle
Hydrosphere
Includes all of the water on earth. Can be in liquid, solid or gas form and can also be saline or fresh
Biosphere
Part of the earths systems where living things are found. Includes all living parts of the earth eg. plants, animals, birds, fungi, bacteria
Global hydrological cycle
When water is continuously cycled between different stores
