Underpinnings 4-7

Conservation of Mass

The principle stating that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system.

Antoine Lavoisier

A French chemist credited with the formulation of the law of mass conservation.

Closed Mass System

A system where no mass can enter or leave, thus the total mass remains constant over time.

Open Mass System

A system that allows the transfer of mass into and out of itself, leading to changes in total mass over time.

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation

A law formulated by Isaac Newton that describes the gravitational attraction between masses.

Theory vs Law

In scientific terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, while a law describes consistent observations of phenomena.

Mass is neither created nor destroyed

The fundamental assertion of the law of mass conservation, stating that mass remains constant in a closed system.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the non-living environment to living organisms and back.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state of balance between continuing processes in an open system where inputs equal outputs over time.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The law stating that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time, often interpreted as processes leading to equilibrium.

Submarine Canyon

A deep canyon on the ocean floor that is shaped by erosion, often acting as an output for mass in coastal systems.

Energy Requirement for Mass Movement

The concept that work requires energy, and therefore energy is essential for moving mass within systems.

Mass Flow

The movement of mass through a system, particularly in open mass systems where inputs and outputs are present.

Sand Budget

The balance between the input and output of sand in a coastal system, determining beach stability.

Littoral System

The coastal system that includes the area where land meets the ocean, affected by wave action, sediment transport, and ecological processes.

Erosion

The process by which soil and rock are removed from one location and transported to another, often impacting landforms.

Waves

Surface water movement generated by wind that can transport sand along coastlines.

Equilibrium State

A condition in which various forces and influences are balanced, leading to stability in a system.

Recycling of Mass

The process of reusing materials, such as in biogeochemical cycles, where elements are continually exchanged between the living and non-living environment.