Definitions

• What is an OPEN SYSTEM?


  = a system with inputs and outputs of material. The amounts of material within the system changes over time (eg vol of water in sea)
• What is a CLOSED SYSTEM?


  No input or output of material. The amount of material in the system is constant (eg global hydrological cycle)
• What is the definition of INPUT?


  Material or energy moving into the system to the outside
• What is the definition of OUTPUT?


  Material or energy moving from the system to he outside
• What is the definition of STORE/COMPONENTS?


  material within the system which is stationary and contained
• What is the definition of FLOW/TRANSFERS?


  Material within the system which is moving from one place to another or changing state
• What is the definition of POSITIVE FEEDBACK?


  When an increase in something then leads to a further increase. Thus the impacts are exacerbated
• What is the definition of NEGATIVE FEEDBACK?


  When an increase in something then leads to a subsequent decrease in that same thing. Thus the impacts are nullified!
• What is the definition of dynamic equilibrium?


  Is a period of time when the system is balanced i.e. Inputs = Outputs (System is stable