general definitions Flashcards Preview

water and carbon cycle > general definitions > Flashcards

Flashcards in general definitions Deck (16)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

dynamic equilibrium

A

an equal balance between the inputs and outputs

2
Q

system

A

an assemblage of interrelated parts that work together bu way of some driving force

3
Q

open system

A

matter and energy can both be transferred to and from the system into surrounding environment

4
Q

closed system

A

energy can be transferred to and from the system but matter cannot

5
Q

isolated system

A

transfers of both energy and matter cannot occur

6
Q

five subsystems on Earth

A

lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere

7
Q

negative feedback

A

the effects of an action are nullified by subsequent knock on effects

8
Q

positive feedback

A

the effects of an action are amplified due to subsequent knock on effects

9
Q

flow/transfer

A

form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves the movement of energy or matter

10
Q

input

A

addition of matter/energy into a system

11
Q

output

A

when energy/matter is removed from the system

12
Q

store

A

where energy or matter is held within a system for a period of time

13
Q

what is a main link between the water and carbon cycles

A

water has the ability to absorb carbon and transfer it (acid rainwater weathering is an example of this)

14
Q

sea ice melting: feedback loop

A
  • ice reflects radiation from sun so less heat is absorbed
  • Arctic ice is shrinking so theres less reflection and more absorbed by water
  • increases sea temperatures and melts more ice
  • this impacts water transfers between land, ocean and atmosphere
  • positive feedback loop
15
Q

marine phytoplankton feedback loop

A
  • use energy from sun to live and grow; they are primary producers and stored of carbon
  • they release a substance (DMS) that produce the formation of condensation and clouds over the ocean
  • warmer tempereatures = increase in phytoplankton = increase in clouds = global cooling
  • negative feedback loop
16
Q

permafrost feedback loop

A
  • higher temperatures melt permafrost
  • organic matter in frozen ground starts to decompose as oxygen is introduced to it
  • this creates CO2 and methane which escape and add to layer in atmosphere