Equilibrium

What is an equilibrium?

A state of balance within a system where the rate of inputs and outputs are equal and storage remains constant

What is a steady state equilibrium?

Small changes in energy that stay about the same - balanced inputs and outputs

What is an example of a steady state equilibrium?

Sediment is eroded in the winter and deposited in the summer so the beach is more or less the same

What is a dynamic equilibrium?

The changes of energy within a system that happens gradually overtime

What is an example of a dynamic equilibrium?

Sea levels rise and sand is deposited higher up the beach which is a gradual process

What is a meta-stable equilibrium?

Big changes in energy ver a short period of time

What is an example of a meta-stable equilibrium?

A large amount of sediment being removed from a storm, therefore the system has rapidly changed