Water and Carbon Cycles as Natural Systems (Unit 1, Topic 1) Flashcards
Systems in physical geography: systems concepts and their application to the water and carbon cycles inputs- outputs, energy, stores/components, flows/transfers, positive/negative feedback, dynamic equilibrium
What is a System?
An assemblage of interrelated parts that work together by way of some driving force
What is an Element?
Are the individual parts that make up a system
What is an Attribute?
Characteristics of the elements-mass, volume, density
What are the Relationships in a system?
The associations between elements and attributes
What is an Open System?
Where both matter and energy are transferred in and out of a system (Pond Ecosystem)
What is a Closed System?
Where only energy is transferred in and out of the system (Radiator)
What is an Isolated system?
Where there is no interaction outside of the system and zero transference of energy or matter in or out of the system (Space)
What is Dynamic Equilibrium?
Inputs and outputs are equal so it’ s a balanced system
What is Positive Feedback?
Where the effects of an action or amplified by subsequent or secondary ‘knock-on’ effects
What is Negative Feedback?
Where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent ‘knock-on’ effects
Examples of Positive Feedback?
Snowball rolling down a hill
River Widening
Meander Forming
Soil Erosion
Melting Permafrost
Examples of Negative Feedback?
Attrition or Global Warming
