Systems
What is a boundary?
The limits of a system
What is an open system?
Matter and energy can enter and leave an open system - inputs and outputs of both
What is equilibrium?
If the inputs and outputs of a system are balance
Cryosphere
All parts of the Earth that are frozen, where water is cold enough to freeze. E.g. Glacial landscapes
Thermal energy is defined as...
Heat energy - Infrared radiation
What is the definition of an input
When matter or energy enters a system
Example of an open system?
The energy from the sun enters and leaves the earth system.
Positive feedback
Positive feedback mechanisms amplify the change in inputs and outputs. This means systems respond by increasing the effects of change, moving the system even further from its previous state.
= Loss of dynamic equilibrium
Lithosphere
This is the outermost part of the Earth, including the crust, upper parts of the mantle.
Define a solid.
Atoms that are very closed together forming a crystalline or lattice structure and vibrate in place.
What is the definition of an output
When matter or energy leaves a system
What is a closed system?
Matter cant enter or leave a closed system - it can only cycle between stores.
Energy can enter and leave a closed system - it can be input or output
Negative feedback
Negative feedback mechanisms counteract the change in the inputs or outputs. This means that the system responds by decreasing the effects of the change, keeping the system closer to its previous state.
Biosphere
The part of the Earth's systems where living things are found.
Define a liquid.
Atoms that are free flowing and can fill and take the form of whatever container they are in with a fixed volume.
What are the system boundaries for Greenland and glacier melt contributing to sea level rise?
The coastal regions around the island of Greenland where glaciers are melting.
Example of a closed system?
The carbon cycle is a closed system, energy is input (e.g. from the sun by photosynthesis) and output (e.g. by respiration), but the amount of carbon on Earth stays the same because there are no inputs or outputs of matter
Example of a negative feedback loop.
The human body in temperature regulation.
Hydrosphere
This includes all water on Earth. It may be in liquid form e.g. in lakes or rivers, solid form e.g. ice stored in the cryosphere, or gas form e.g. water vapour stored in the atmosphere. It can also be saline (salty) or freshwater.
Define a gas.
Atoms that are fast moving, can take the shape of any container with no fixed volume.
Describe the berm solution?
Sill that is built up around Greenland covered with concrete and stops the flow of warm ocean waters from melting glaciers off the coast of Green land contributing to sea level rise.
Our CO2 water bottle experiment is an example of...
A closed system.
Example of a positive feedback loop.
Speeding for long durations above the speed limit.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the layer of gas between the Earth's surface and space, held in place by gravity.
Define the first law of thermodynamics.
Energy can not be created nor destroyed, but transforms from one form to another.