System Earth: Climate and Global Change (MAQ23306)
Summary
Summary System Earth: Climate and Global Change (MAQ 23306)
8 views 0 purchase
Course
System Earth: Climate and Global Change (MAQ23306)
Institution
Wageningen University (WUR)
Book
The Earth System
This is the summary of System Earth. It is based on the lectures and the textbook (The Earth System, 1638). The summary also includes the lecture on Ethics and Philosophy of Science.
Chapter 13. Biodiversity through earth history......................................................................................15
Chapter 15. Global warming: Recent and future climat........................................................................16
Chapter 17. Ozone depletion and atmospheric chemistry....................................................................17
Ethics and Philosophy of science......................................................................................................... 19
1
, CHAPTER 2. DAISY WORLD
The systems approach has been used in virtually every area of inquiry (including branches of both
natural and social studies). A system consist of components (i.e. subsystems of the system). The state
of a system is a set of attributes that characterizes the system at a certain time (t or t+∆t). Coupling
are links in the system where a component influences another component. These couplings can be
negative (represented with a circular arrowhead) or positive (represented with a normal arrowhead).
A system diagram makes it possible to keep track of the various couplings within a system. Here
feedback loops may be distinguished. A negative feedback loop tends to diminish the effects of the
disturbances (dampening effect), while a positive feedback loop amplifies the effects of disturbance
(runaway effect).
Figure 1. Systems diagram
A positive (+) and a negative (-) coupling will result in a negative
feedback loop (+ - = -).
The equilibrium state is the state in which the system will remain
unless the system is disturbed. When the equilibrium state is
stable, it is hard to move the system from that state to another
state. On the other hand, a small perturbation (temporary
disturbance of the system) in an unstable state will result in the
system moving to another state. The point where the system
moves away from the (un)stable state is called the tipping point.
In contrast to a perturbation, forcing is a more persistent (and
normally long term) disturbance of the system.
Figure 2. Stability of the system
2
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 marclobregt. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.16. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
