1.2 Systems Flashcards
words I need to know to look at patterns and systems (22 cards)
What is a system?
A set of inter-related parts working together to make a functioning whole.
What is a systems approach?
A way of understanding and solving problems by looking at the big picture (holistic, interconnected, feedback loops, dynamic adaptation).
What is the biosphere?
All parts of Earth where life exists (all ecosystems).
What is the anthroposphere?
Part of Earth made or modified by humans.
What are storages in a systems diagram?
Where either matter or energy is found in systems diagram.
What are flows in a systems diagram?
Movement of energy through a systems diagram. Represented by arrows.
What are processes in a systems diagram?
Transformations or transfers of energy/matter from storage to storage.
What are processes in a systems diagram?
Transfers: matter/energy moves from one place to another, but does not change state or chemical nature. Transformations: matter/energy changes state.
What is an open system?
Exchanges both energy and matter with their environment. All ecosystems are open systems.
What is a closed system?
Exchanges energy with surrounding environment, but not matter.
What is steady state equilibrium?
The condition of an open system in which flows are still occurring, but inputs are constantly balanced with outputs.
What is stable equilibria?
Condition of a system in which there is a tendency for it to return to the previous equilibrium following disturbance (also uses negative feedback).
What is unstable equilibria?
Returns to a new equilibrium after disturbance (usually happens once tipping point has passed).
What are feedback loops?
When information starts a reaction that may input more information and start another reaction.
What is positive feedback?
Disturbance leads to amplification of that disturbance. System destabilizes, driven towards tipping point (coming soon). Also known as ‘Reinforcing’.
What is negative feedback?
Output of a process inhibits or reverses the operation of the same process. Reduces change + stabilizes system. Also known as ‘Balancing’.
What are causal loop diagrams?
See Slides.
What is the Gaia Hypothesis?
Argues that Earth and its biological systems act as a single entity with self-regulating negative feedback loops to keep conditions in a favourable range for human life. Argument that Earth is now an ‘older lady’ and not able to bounce back from changes as well as she used to.
What is a tipping point?
Changes that tip the equilibrium of a system over a threshold.
What is resilience?
Refers to capacity of these systems to resist, recover from, and adapt to disturbances or changes.
What are emergent properties?
Characteristics that arise from the interactions/relationships between system components, which cannot be predicted by examining the individual parts alone. A property of a system, but not the individual parts of the system.
What is Albedo?
Albedo is the percent of sunlight hitting the earth that is reflected back into space.
