Systems

• System- a set of interrelated parts working together towards a process
• Input- addition of energy and/or matter
• Output-the movement of energy and/or matter
• Stores- where energy and matter is stored or transformed
• Flows- a linkage between one store and anothe. it involves the movement of energy and matter
• Major stores- atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere
• Positive feedback - when the effects of an action are amplified by knock on effects E.g. albedo effect
• Negative feedback- when the effects of an action are nullified E.g. photosynthesis
• Open system- transfers of energy and matter to the surrounding environment E.g drainage basin
• Closed system- transfers of energy but no transfers of matter E.g earth
• Isolated system- no inputs or outputs of energy or matter E.g scientific lab
• Dynamic equilibrium- there’s a balance between the inputs and outputs
• Cascading system - different systems have an interlocking relationship