Systems Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is dynamic equilibrium
Inputs and outputs of energy and matter balance
What is negative feedback
Nullifies the effects of an action
What’s positive feedback
Effects of an action are amplified
What’s a closed system
No input or output of matter or energy
What’s a closed system
Inputs and outputs of energy but not matter
What’s a open system
Energy and matter can cross the boundary
What’s an example of a positive feedback cycle
More co2 in the atmosphere
Acts as a ghg
Global temp rises
Warms the oceans
Warm water less able to dissolve gas
Dissolved co2 replaced by warmer oceans
Co2 back into the atmosphere
What’s an example of a negative feedback system
Increase in atmospheric co2
Global temp increase
More plant growth
Increased uptake of co2
Reduces atmospheric co2
Reduced co2 has a dampening effect and reduces global temps
What’s an example of negative feedback in a coastal environment
Beach in dynamic equilibrium
Sediment eroded from a storm
Sediment deposited offshore forming an offshore bar
Waves forced to break before reaching the beach dissipating energy reducing further erosion
Storm calms and normal wave conditions rework sediments from the offshore bar to the beach
What is backshore
Area between the high water mark and the landward limit of marine activity
What is foreshore
Area between high water mark and low water mark
What is inshore
Area between the low water mark and the point where waves don’t have influence on the land beneath them
What is offshore
Area beyond the point where waves cease to impact upon the seabed and in which activity is limited to deposition of sediment
What is nearshore and what does it include
Area extending seaward from the high water mark to the area where waves begin to break
Swash zone
Surf zone
Breaker zone
