Water & Carbon Cycles

System

a set of interrelated components working together towards a process

Flow/transfer

A form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves movement of energy/mass.

• Evaporation/throughflow/stem flow etc.

Input (& example)

The addition of matter and/or energy into a system.

• Precipitation

Output (& example)

matter or energy moving from the system to outside the system/to another system

• Surface runoff

Store/component (& example)

A part of the system where energy/mass is stored or transformed.

• Puddles/soils/trees etc.

Energy (& example)

power/driving force

• Insolation (incoming solar radiation)

Matter

any substance that can be weighed & takes up space

Models (& why they are used)

• A simplification of something

• Allows relationships between components to be better understood

Open systems

inputs and outputs of energy & matter exchange at its boundaries

Closed system

only energy is inputted and outputted; matter is contained within the system boundary

Isolated systems

does not share matter or energy with their surroundings

Cascading systems

where energy & material are transferred from one subsystem to another

Dynamic

ever-changing

Dynamic equilibrium

where inputs & outputs are equal (stores stay the same)

Positive feedback

where effects of an action are amplified by subsequent knock-on effects

Negative feedback

where effects of an action are nullified by subsequent knock-on effects

5 global systems

• Atmospheric: interaction of gases

• Lithosphere: interaction of solid/semi-solid/liquid crust

• Biosphere: interaction of biological life

• Hydrosphere: interaction of water

• Cryosphere: interaction of frozen water