systems

• what are systems composed of?

  • inputs
  • outputs
  • stores
  • flows
  • boundaries
• what is a store?

  matter/energy build up
• what is a boundary?

  limit (eg. watershed)
• what is an open system?

  recieve inputs and transfer outputs of energy/matter with other systems
• what is a closed system?

  energy inputs = outputs.
• what is dynamic equilibrium?

  inputs = outputs despite changing conditions.
• what is positive feedback?

  a chain of events amplifies impacts (gets worse)
• what is negative feedback?

  chain of events that nullifies impacts (stops/makes better)
• negative feedback = dynamic equillibrium
• • on a local scale, water and carbon cycles are open systems.
  • on a global scale, water and carbon cycles are closed systems.
  • both contain flows, inputs, outputs and stores.