general definitions Flashcards
dynamic equilibrium
an equal balance between the inputs and outputs
system
an assemblage of interrelated parts that work together bu way of some driving force
open system
matter and energy can both be transferred to and from the system into surrounding environment
closed system
energy can be transferred to and from the system but matter cannot
isolated system
transfers of both energy and matter cannot occur
five subsystems on Earth
lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere
negative feedback
the effects of an action are nullified by subsequent knock on effects
positive feedback
the effects of an action are amplified due to subsequent knock on effects
flow/transfer
form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves the movement of energy or matter
input
addition of matter/energy into a system
output
when energy/matter is removed from the system
store
where energy or matter is held within a system for a period of time
what is a main link between the water and carbon cycles
water has the ability to absorb carbon and transfer it (acid rainwater weathering is an example of this)
sea ice melting: feedback loop
- 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
marine phytoplankton feedback loop
- 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
permafrost feedback loop
- 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
