Phys GeoG, Test 1 pt 2

systems theory

a framework for understanding how different, connected parts work together as a whole

components of systems theory

1. a system has a boundary

2. energy/matter may pass through that boundary

3. matter is mass, composed of known elements

4. energy is the capacity to change the motion of or to do work on matter

3 types of systems

1. open system

2. closed system

3. isolated system

open system

energy and mass can pass through

closed system

energy can pass through

isolated system

nothing can pass through

systems feedback

feedback occurs when the outputs of a system are routed back as inputs creating a loop (ex: microphone feedback, throwing a ball up and it bounces)

steady-state equilibrium

rates of inputs/outputs are equal and the amounts of energy and matter in storage are constant (wavs stay in general area)

dynamic equilibrium

a steady-state system demonstrates change over time (waves go up and down)

model of systems

a simplification of a more complex system, either conceptual or numerical

spheres of the earth system

lithoshpere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, biosphere (in order from inward to outward layers of the earth)

lithosphere

rocky earth

hydrosphere

all water; sits on top of lithosphere

atmosphere

¾ nitrogen, ¼ oxygen

cryosphere

icy layer

biosphere

plants and animals

Who calculated the earth’s size?

Eratosthenes

shape of the earth

• gravitationally rounded

• not a perfect sphere

• spinning causes it to widen equatorially

• polar circ of 40,008km

• equatorial circ of 40075km

latitude

• small circles, different sizes

• circles get smaller as you go more north or south

• positions in respect to north/south

longitude

• large circles that are all the same size

• angles slightly shift as you go north or south

• positions in respect to east/west

• angle of longitude: 60 degrees

3 ways to express a map’s scale

1. representative fraction

2. written scale

3. graphic scale

map physical features

ex: rivers

map topographic features

ex: hills, valleys

map cultural features

ex: buildings, roads

map scale

the ratio of the size of the representation of a feature on a map to its actual size in the world