Systems

• Inputs include:

  • Precipitation
  • Leaf fall
  • Seeds carried by wind
• Outputs include:

  • Water soaking through soil and rocks
  • Evaporation
  • Seed dispersal
• Stores/components include:

  • Water
  • Soil
  • Plants
• Flows/transfers include:

  • Photosynthesis
  • Infiltration
  • Transpiration
• Dynamic equilibrium in a system is when inputs equal outputs despite changing conditions.
• The cycle is a closed system as no water enters or leaves the system; it is simply recycled around the system
• This causes disruption or interference to the dynamic equilibrium and is evidenced through flooding for example
• Human activity can also cause disruption to the dynamic equilibrium, eg by modifying the drainage basin
• Open systems are when systems receive inputs and transfer outputs of energy or matter with other systems.
• Closed systems are when energy inputs equal outputs.
• Evapotranspiration: Compromised of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation occurs when water is heated by the sun, causing it to become a gas and rise into the atmosphere.
• Throughflow - Water moves through the soil and into streams or rivers. Speed of flow is dependent on the type of soil