Systems and the water cycle Flashcards
what is a system?
A system is an assemblage of interrelated parts that work together
what is an element?
things that make up the system. These parts may be atoms, molecules, raindrops, plants, animals etc
what is attributes of a system?
characteristics of the elements that be perceived or measured. For example size, colour, volume, temperature
what is a relationship in a system?
– are the associations or connections between elements and attributes
what is a closed system?
Energy is transferred into and out of the system. just energy no matter e.g. the water & carbon cycles
examples of a closed system?
the water & carbon cycles
what is an open system?
Matter and energy can be transferred from the system into the surrounding environment e.g. the drainage basin (water) or a woodland (carbon)
example of a open system?
the drainage basin (water) or a woodland (carbon).
what is positive feedback?
Positive feedback occurs where the effects of an action are amplified by changes to the inputs/outputs/processes
what is negative feedback?
Negative feedback occurs where the effects of an action are nullified by changes to the inputs/outputs/processes
what type of system is earth considered to be and why?
The Earth as a whole can be considered a closed system as energy comes in as solar radiation, balanced out by radiant energy lost by the Earth
what are the five subsystems on earth?
Atmosphere (air) -
Lithosphere (geology) -
Hydrosphere (water) -
Biosphere (organic life) -
Cryosphere (ice)
what is the cascading system?
Each of the 5 subsystems work as an open system with interlocking relationships, known as a cascading system. These interlocking relationships have a profound effects on the Earth’s climate.
what activities do humans do that can effect the subsystems?
deforestation - mining - pollution - agriculture - urban sprawl - mineral extraction
what is the
ALL WATER percentages on earth?
ocean 97%
freshwater 3%
