Coastal Systems and Landscapes - Systems

System

The processing of inputs which produce outputs. They are a set of variables that operate together to interact with one another.

What are systems made up of:

Inputs, stores, processes and outputs.

Inputs

Matter/energy transferred into the system.

Outputs

Matter/energy transferred out from the system.

Stores

Matter/energy kept within a system.

Flows, transfers and processes

Where matter/energy is moved from one store to another.

Dynamic Equilibrium

Where the inputs are balanced out by the outputs.

Negative Feedback

Where a change in the system causes a reciprocal effect.

Positive Feedback

Where a change in the system enhances the effect.

Boundaries

The limit of the system.

Examples of positive feedback

Erosional processes create a wave-cut notch which causes the cliff to collapse. This adds sediment to the system which leads to more abrasion and attrition.

Examples of negative feedback

Erosion of a cliff face leads to deposition further along the coast.

Closed System

A system involving a transfer of energy from an external source. No matter is transferred in/out of the system.

Open system

Both energy and matter is transferred in and out of the system.

Isolated System

Does not transfer any energy or mass in/out of the system.

Sediment Cells

A largely self-contained stretch of coastline, of which sediment is kept within.

What type of system is a sediment cell?

Closed System

Examples of open systems

Coastal Systems, Fluvial Systems, etc.