global water cycle and stores- basis

what is a system?

a set of components working together as parts of an interconnecting network, eg carbon cycle, water cycle, drainage basin

what is an input?

material or energy moving into the system from outside, eg precipitation

what is insolation?

solar radiation reaching the earth

what is an output?

the material or energy moving from the system to the outside, eg surface runoff

energy

power or driving force, eg insolation (sun)

stores/components

the individual elements or parts of a system, eg trees, puddles, soil

flows/transfers

the movement of parts within the system, eg evaporation, through flow, photosynthesis

processes

the stores/ components and inputs are worked upon and changed, eg erosion, photosynthesis

closed system

matter is contained within the system boundaries

open system

matter and energy interact with the system boundaries

atmospheric system

interaction of the gases around the planet

hydrosphere system

interaction of water on our planet- cryosphere sub-section (ice and glaciers)

biosphere system

interaction of biological life with our planet- don’t forget microbes! (bacteria, fungi, viruses)

lithosphere system

interaction of the solid, semi-solid and liquid land of the planet’s crust (includes magma)- pedosphere, sub-section (soil)

drainage basin

the area of land that drains into a river system

positive feedback

a cyclical sequence of events that amplifies changes and moves the system further away from balance

negative feedback

a cyclical sequence of events that neutralises the effects of a system, promotes stability and maintains equilibrium

dynamic equilibrium

represents a state of balance within a constantly changing system