Water and Carbon Cycles as Natural Systems

Question 1

What are systems made up of and define them.

Answer 1

Inputs - when matter or energy is added to the system
Outputs - when matter or energy leaves a system
Stores - where matter or energy builds up and is held
Flows - when matter or energy moves from one store to another
Boundaries - the limits of a system

Question 2

Open systems and example

Answer 2

Both energy and matter can enter and leave an open system - there are inputs and outputs of both.

EG drainage basins as energy from sun enters and leaves the system. Water is input as precipitation and output as river discharge into the sea

Question 3

Closed system and example

Answer 3

Matter can not enter or leave a closed system and can only cycle between stores. Energy can enter and leave and can be input or output.

EG the carbon cycle as the amount of carbon on Earth stays the same as matter cant be input or output but energy is input and output via photosynthesis and respiration

Question 4

Explain Dynamic Equilibrium

Answer 4

If the inputs and outputs of a system are balanced , the system is in equilibrium. However in reality there are small variations and they remain balanced on average so it is called dynamic equilibrium. Large and long term changes can trigger positive or negative feedback

Question 5

Positive feedback

Answer 5

AMPLIFY AND INCREASE THE CHANGE
- this means moving the system even further from its previous state.

EG temp rise, ice melts, less ice cover means less of suns energy is reflected, means more is absorbed by earth and temps rise again

Question 6

Negative feedback

Answer 6

COUNTERACT AND DECREASE CHANGE
- this means keeping the system closer to previous state.

EG CO2 emitted, increases in atmosphere, plants increased growth, photosynthesis, amount of CO2 reduces.