Water and Carbon Cycles as Natural Systems Flashcards
Attributes
Characteristics of the elements (i.e. hot, cold)
Relationships
How various elements (and their attributes) work together to carry out some kind of process
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process
Isolated Systems
No interactions with anything outside the system boundary, there is no input or output of energy or matter i.e. the Universe, lab experiments
Closed Systems
Have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter i.e. Carbon Cycle
Open Systems
Where energy and matter can be transferred from the system across the boundary into the surrounding environment i.e. Drainage Basin
When do positive and negative feedbacks occur?
When dynamic equilibrium is upset
Positive Feedback in Water Cycle
Temp increases Ice coverage decreases Less ice = less Sun's energy reflected More sun's energy absorbed by earth Temp increases
Positive Feedback in Carbon Cycle
Temp increases Warmer oceans Less CO2 dissolved in oceans Increased CO2 in atmosphere Temp increases
Negative Feedback in Carbon Cycle
Increased fossil fuel- increased CO2 Increased temp More plants Increased CO2 uptake- less in atmosphere Less CO2, temp decreases
Negative Feedback in Water Cycle
Temp increases Increased evaporation from oceans More clouds Reflect more of sun's energy back to space Temp decreases
