Chapter 1 Flashcards
(55 cards)
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographic areas, society, and cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these, over space and time.
Earth’s Spheres (4)
Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Atmosphere
Lithosphere
Earth’s crust and a portion of the upper mantle directly below the crust.
Atmosphere
Thin gaseous veil surrounding the Earth.
Hydrosphere
Water on Earth.
Biosphere
Interconnected web that links organisms with their physical environment (flora, fauna, ecosystems).
4 criteria of a system
A set of interconnected elements
Boundaries exist
No randomness
Operates within acceptable limits
Open System
A system with inputs and outputs crossing back and forth between the system and the surrounding environment.
- This system may gain or lose energy
- The output is not the same as the input
input -> process -> output
Closed System
A system that is shut off from the surrounding environment, so that it is entirely self-contained in terms of energy and materials;
- no real difference in output/input
- no loss of anything.
System
Any set of interrelated components or objects which are connected together to form a working unit or unified whole.
Types of System
Open
Closed
Example of an open system
Photosynthesis
Input: radiation from the sun, water, nutrients, co2
process: conversion of the energy and matter into stored chemical energy (plant sugars for example)
output: oxygen into our atmosphere
Earth Systems Concepts
SYSTEMS THEORY
SYSTEM FEEDBACK
SYSTEM EQUILIBRIUM
Systems Feedback (types)
Positive Feedback
Negative Feedback
Positive Feedback
Feedback that amplifies or encourages change/responses in a system.
Negative Feedback
Feedback that tends to slow or dampen responses in a system, promoting self-regulation in a system.
Feedback Loop
Created when a portion of system output is returned as an information input, causing changes that guide further system operation.
Positive Feedback Loop
The Arctic sea ice–albedo positive feedback loop
The Arctic sea ice–albedo positive feedback loop (5)
- Temperatures rise
- Sea ice melts, exposing darker ocean surface
- Ocean absorbs more solar energy (heat!)
- Reflectivity/Albedo is altered (ocean reflects less sunlight)
- Temperature rise is further accelerated
Equilibrium
Occurs when the system remains balanced over time
Steady State Equilibrium
System values fluctuate around a steady average and maintains same operation level.
Dynamic State Equilibrium
System values fluctuate around a stable average, but exhibits a trend overall. The trend can change over time.
Includes “Thresholds/tipping points”
Threshold/Tipping Point
A system may reach a “threshold”, where it can no longer maintain its character, so it lurches to a new operational level.
The system jumps to a new stable average condition.
Remote Sensing
The technique of obtaining information from a distance, without physical contact with the subject.
