Earth’s Systems
What is a system in environmental science?
A group of interacting parts that exchange energy, matter, or information.
Negative feedback loops keep systems ________.
Stable
What are atoms?
The building blocks of matter
Why is the equator warmest?
It receives direct, concentrated sunlight.
Warm air ________, cool air ________.
Rises; sinks.
Name one example of an input entering a system.
Sunlight, nutrients, water, carbon dioxide, etc.
Give an example of a negative feedback loop in nature.
Body temperature regulation.
Why is water called the “universal solvent”?
It dissolves many substances.
Why do the poles stay cold?
Sunlight spreads over a larger area at a low angle.
Trade winds blow from ______ to ______.
East to west.
Why are system boundaries hard to define?
Because systems overlap and outputs of one become inputs to another
What is a positive feedback loop?
A loop that strengthens a change and pushes the system further.
A substance with a pH of 3 is…?
Acidic.
What causes seasons?
Earth’s tilted axis.
Westerlies blow from ______ to ______ in temperate regions.
West to east.
The lithosphere includes what components of Earth?
he crust and upper mantle (solid rock layer).
Why is melting ice a positive feedback loop?
Less ice → darker surface → absorbs more heat → more melting.
Which property allows water to climb up plant stems?
Cohesion (and adhesion).
Name the three major climate zones.
Tropical, temperate, polar.
What causes global circulation cells to form?
Uneven heating → warm air rises, cool air sinks.
Give an example of how two spheres interact during a rainstorm.
Atmosphere releases rain → hydrosphere → impacts biosphere/plants.
Identify whether this is POS or NEG: “Population increases → food supply decreases → population decreases.”
Negative feedback loop.
Why is water important for climate regulation?
It absorbs and stores heat, preventing extreme temperature changes.
Explain how uneven heating creates climate zones.
Different sunlight angles cause temperature differences, forming zones.
How do global winds influence climate?
They distribute heat and moisture around Earth, shaping weather patterns.