, 1. Coasts as natural systems
Specification content:
a) Systems in physical geography
Systems are Made Up of Stores, Flows, Boundaries, Inputs and Outputs:
Element of a Description
system
Inputs when matter or energy (e.g. solar energy) is added to the
system.
Transfers/flows when matter or energy moves from one store to another.
Outputs when matter or energy leaves the system.
Stores/ where matter or energy builds up.
Components
Boundaries The limits of the system
Example: In a drainage basin system, water enters as rain (input). The system’s watershed is the boundary.
Some water is stored in the soil and in vegetation. Water travels from the drainage basin to the river and
then down the river (flows). It leaves the system where the river meets the sea (output).
Systems can be open or closed.
Features of an open system Features of a closed system
• Both energy and matter CAN enter and • Matter CAN’T enter or leave a closed system
leave an open system — there are inputs — it can only cycle between stores.
and outputs of both. • Energy CAN enter and leave a closed system
• Example: drainage basins are open — it can be input or output.
systems — energy from the Sun enters and • Example: the carbon cycle is a closed
leaves the system. Water is input as system — energy is input (e.g. from the sun
precipitation, and output as river discharge by photosynthesis) and output (e.g. by
into the sea. respiration), but the amount of carbon on
Earth stays the same because there are no
inputs or outputs of matter.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller aayanskhan2006. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $6.94. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.