Water and Carbon cycles: Water, carbon, climate and life on Earth Flashcards
On a local scale, the water and carbon cycles are both ____ systems.
Open
On a global scale, the water and carbon cycles are both ____ systems.
Closed
What is a dynamic equilibrium in a system?
When energy inputs equals outputs despite changing conditions.
What causes positive feedback?
When a chain of events amplifies the impacts of the original event.
What causes negative feedback?
When a chain of events nullifies the impact of the original event.
What is the cryosphere?
Frozen parts of the planet e.g. ice caps, glaciers, permafrost
What is the lithosphere?
The outer section of the earth (crust and upper-mantle)
What is the biosphere?
Living and dead organic matter e.g. animals, plants
What is the hydrosphere?
All the water on earth e.g. in lakes, water vapour, oceans
What is the atmosphere?
Gases that surround the earth.
