Worlds systems

systems

a collection of interrelated parts that work together by some way of driving processes. A system will have a series of inputs, outputs, transfers and stores.

matter

any physical substance involved in a system (solid, liquid or gas)

flows

when matter or energy moves from one store to another

inputs

any material or energy moving into the system from outside

outputs

any material or energy moving from the system to the outside

stores

where matter or energy builds up

energy

power or driving force

boundaries

the limits or edges of the systems

open system

both energy and matter can enter or leave (drainage basin)

closed system

energy can enter and leave however matter can’t enter or leave, it can only move between stores (water cycle)

dynamic equilibrium

a state of balance characterised by constant changing

lithosphere

solid earth, outermost part of earth (crust and upper mantle)

atmosphere

layer of gases inbetween the earths surface and space held in place by gravity

hydrosphere

all of water on earth, can be solid/liquid/gas and salty or fresh

biosphere

part of earths system we’re living things are found including plants and animals

cascading system

changes that happen in one subsystem effect what happens in others

positive feedbacks

not positive

increase effect of change

moves system further from its natural state

negative feedbacks

positive

works to counteract change

decreases effect of change, keeping system close to natural state