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2.4: Looking Back - Natural Systems

  • Page ID
    15168
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    Assess your understanding of concepts related to this section by answering the questions below before proceeding with this chapter.

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    List the three basic elements of a system.

    Answer

    (1) a functioning set of components, (2) a flow of energy which powers them, and (3) a process for the internal regulation of their functioning called feedback.

    Define open and closed systems. Give an example of each from the Earth system.

    Answer

    Open systems allow energy and mass across their system boundary. The various "spheres" of the earth system like the biosphere are examples of open systems. Closed systems allow energy but not mass to cross their system boundary. The earth system as a whole is an example of a closed system.

    Explain the difference between positive and negative feedback.

    Answer

    Positive feedback encourages system change towards a new state. Negative feedback reverses the direction of system change to return to it's original state.

    Define system equilibrium.

    Answer

    System equilibrium is a state when the inputs and outputs of a system are in balance.

    Define exogenic and endogenic sources of energy.

    Answer

    Exogenic source of energy comes from outside the earth system, notably solar radiation. An endogenic source is found within the earth system, notably the heat generated from the earth's core.


    This page titled 2.4: Looking Back - Natural Systems is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Michael E. Ritter (The Physical Environment) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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