Systems

What is a SYSTEM? - "A set of interrelated parts and components all working together towards a process" They contain ... - flows (stemflow) - stores (lake) - inputs (precipitation) -outputs (evaporation)

How is a system CLASSIFIED? -  Isolated - no interrations outside of its own boundaries - don't occur in nature   Open - boundary around the system can allow matter (living things) and energy (sun-rays) to transfer across it - ecosystems -- an animal is not confined                             Input --> STORE --> Flow --> STORE --> Output   Closed - energy can transfer in and out of the boundaries of the system - matter can't move in and out of the boundaries STORE --> Output ---l     ^ -----------------------l

What types of FEEDBACK are there? -  Feedback is the balance between inputs and outputs Dynamic equilibrium is when there is a balance between the inputs and outputs (glacier - equal melting and freezing so no overall change in the size of the glacier. No net gain)   Positive Feedback - the effects and amplified and are increasing - e.g. global warming   Negative Feedback - effects are reduced / nullified   Cascading Systems - open systems forming a chain - occurs a lot in nature such as in the water cycle