Systems Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are inputs in a system?
Where matter or energy is added to the system
What are outputs in a system?
Where matter or energy leaves the system
What are stores in a system?
Where matter or energy builds up in a system
What are flows in a system?
Where matter or energy moves in a system
What are boundaries in a system?
Limits to the system (e.g. watershed)
What are open systems?
Receive inputs and transfer outputs with other systems
What are closed systems?
When energy inputs equals energy outputs
What is dynamic equilibrium?
When inputs equal outputs despite changing conditions
What is positive feedback?
When a chain of events amplifies the impacts of the original event. E.g. ice building in glaciers
What is negative feedback?
When a chain of events nullifies the impacts of the original event. E.g. increased melting of glaciers
On a local scale, what type of system is the water cycle?
Open
On a local scale, what type of system is the carbon cycle?
Open
On a global scale, what type of system is the water cycle?
Closed
On a global scale, what type of system is the carbon cycle?
Closed
What are the inputs of a drainage basin?
Precipitation
What are the stores of a drainage basin? (4)
Interception
Surface storage
Soil moisture
Groundwater
What are the flows in a drainage basin? (5)
Infiltration
Percolation
Surface runoff/overland
Throughflow
Groundwater flow
What are the outputs of a drainage basin? (3)
Transpiration
Evaporation
River channelf
What is a CO2 positive feedback loop? (example)
Global temp rise (warms oceans).
Ocean temps rise (warm oceans dissolve less gas).
CO2 released.
More GHGs
Loops
What is a CO2 negative feedback loop?
More atmospheric CO2 (global warming).
More plant growth (Absorb CO2).
Reduce atmospheric CO2 (and temps)
loops
What is the atmosphere?
Gases. 99% made of O and N. It protects us from UV radiation. It is split into 5 layers. These layers change with seasons and latitude
What are the 5 layers of the atmosphere?
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere
What is the hydrosphere?
Includes the water as solid, liquid and gas both over and underground
What is the biosphere?
All life. Overlaps all the spheres from the deepest roots to trenches and mountains
