Water and Carbon Cycles- Systems in Geography Flashcards
Define elements
Things that make up the system
Define store/component
A part of the system where something is held for a period of time
Define system boundary
The edge of the system; the interface (or line) between one system and another
Define relationships in a system
Descriptions of how the various elements work together to carry out some sort of process
Define input
A point where something is added to the system
Define attributes
The characteristics of an element (eg. hot/cold)
Define output
A point where something is removed from the system
Define flow/transfer
A link between one store or component and another, along which something moves
What are isolated systems?
- no interactions with anything outside the system boundary
- no output/input of energy or matter
- many controlled lab experiments have these conditions- rare in nature
What are closed systems?
- have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary
- but no transfer of matter
What are open systems?
- where matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into surrounding environment
- most ecosystems are open systems
What is positive feedback?
Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on/secondary effects
What is negative feedback?
Where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects
What is dynamic equilibrium?
Where there is a balance between the inputs and outputs in a system
Examples of inputs in a pond ecosystem
- precipitation
- seeds carried by winds and birds
