natural systems and concepts (water and carbon) Flashcards
isolated systems
no inputs or outputs
closed system
inputs and outputs of energy but not matter e.g the water cycle
open system
inputs and outputs of both matter and energy e.g drainage basin system
dynamic equillibrium
inouts and outputs are balanced
negative feedback
when something maintains the system and remains in equillibrium
positive feedback
an event which leads to disequilibrium e.g storm surge at the coast
Characteristics of systems
Have boundaries
They are generalised
They function with inputs and outputs
They involve the flow of material between components
Positive feedback example
Global temps rise
Increased ocean temps
Dissolved CO2 released by warmed oceans
CO2 back in atmosphere
Global temps riss
Negative feedback example
Increase use of fossil fuels
Increase in atmospheric CO2
Global temps increase - more plant growth
Photosynthesis reduces atmospheric co2
