Water cycle Flashcards
What is a cycle?
an example of a continuous system e.g water cycle and carbon cycle
What is a system?
A model which helps to explain relationships within a unit. It consists of a number of components which are linked together.
What is a model?
A way of simplifying or representing a complex reality
What are elements?
The parts or substances that make up a system
What is an attribute?
characteristics of an element that maybe perceived and measured
Describe relationships?
associations that occur between elements and attributed
What is a boundary?
The edge of a system
What are inputs?
Elements entering a system
What are stores/components?
Elements being stored in a system
What are flows/transfers?
Elements moving around a system
What are outputs?
Elements leaving a system
What is dynamic equilibrium?
There is a balance between both inputs and outputs
What is an open system?
Where there are both inputs and outputs transfers energy and matters (or mass) across its boundary.
What is a closed system?
When there are no inputs and outputs matter (or mass) is confined to the system but energy may enter and exit.
What is positive feedback?
When the effects of an action are amplified by its knock-on effects.
What is negative feedback?
When the effects of an action are nullified by its knock-on effects
What is an isolated system?
No interactions beyond its boundary
What is a cascading system?
Made up of a chain of open system where the outputs from one system forms the inputs for another.
What is atmosphere?
The air around us
In a nutshell what is the lithosphere?
The ground below us
In a nutshell what is the biosphere?
The water stored in vegetation
In a nutshell what is the hydrosphere?
The water stored on the surface
In a nutshell what is the cryosphere?
The water stored in ice
Define magnitude?
The strength or amount of something