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What is a closed system?
When there is a transfer of energy, but not matter, between the system and its surroundings
What is an open system?
Where systems receive inputs and outputs of both energy and matter across the boundaries between them. Most natural systems are open
What is a positive feedback loop?
Causes change to become more amplified over time, moving away from equilibrium
What is a negative feedback loop?
A negative feedback loop is when a system has been upset, it responds by decreasing the effects of the change by returning the system to be closer to its previous state
what is equilibrium?
Balance, the inputs and outputs are balanced
What is dynamic equilibrium?
Inputs and outputs vary at times but on average remain about balanced
What are the 4 sub systems of the Earth?
atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere
What is the atmosphere?
A mixture of nitrogen, oxygen and other gasses which surrounds the earth
What is the lithosphere
the crust and uppermost part of the mantle, it is this layer which is split into tectonic plates
What is the hydrosphere?
A discontinuous layer of water at or near the Earth's surface. It includes all liquid and frozen surface waters, groundwater held in soil and rock and atmospheric water vapour.
What is the biosphere
the sum of all living matter
What is a flow/transfer?
A form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves the movement of energy or matter
What is an input
The addition of matter and/or energy into a system
What a store/component?
A part of the system where energy/ matter is stored or transferred
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