Water and Carbon Cycles- Systems in Geography Flashcards Preview

A Level Physical Geography > Water and Carbon Cycles- Systems in Geography > Flashcards

Flashcards in Water and Carbon Cycles- Systems in Geography Deck (20)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Define elements

A

Things that make up the system

2
Q

Define store/component

A

A part of the system where something is held for a period of time

3
Q

Define system boundary

A

The edge of the system; the interface (or line) between one system and another

4
Q

Define relationships in a system

A

Descriptions of how the various elements work together to carry out some sort of process

5
Q

Define input

A

A point where something is added to the system

6
Q

Define attributes

A

The characteristics of an element (eg. hot/cold)

7
Q

Define output

A

A point where something is removed from the system

8
Q

Define flow/transfer

A

A link between one store or component and another, along which something moves

9
Q

What are isolated systems?

A
  • no interactions with anything outside the system boundary
  • no output/input of energy or matter
  • many controlled lab experiments have these conditions- rare in nature
10
Q

What are closed systems?

A
  • have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary
  • but no transfer of matter
11
Q

What are open systems?

A
  • where matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into surrounding environment
  • most ecosystems are open systems
12
Q

What is positive feedback?

A

Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on/secondary effects

13
Q

What is negative feedback?

A

Where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects

14
Q

What is dynamic equilibrium?

A

Where there is a balance between the inputs and outputs in a system

15
Q

Examples of inputs in a pond ecosystem

A
  • precipitation

- seeds carried by winds and birds

16
Q

Examples of flows/transfers in a pond ecosystem

A
  • photosynthesis
  • infiltration
  • transportation
17
Q

Examples of stores in a pond ecosystem

A
  • water
  • soil
  • plants
18
Q

Examples of outputs in a pond ecosystem

A
  • water infiltrating into soil
  • evaporation
  • seed dispersal
19
Q

What system is the Earth considered to be?

A

A closed system

  • energy enters as solar radiation
  • radiant energy lost
  • no matter lost to space
20
Q

What are the 5 subsystems on Earth?

A
  • atmosphere
  • lithosphere
  • hydrosphere
  • biosphere
  • cryosphere