Glacial Landscapes as Systems

?

What is a system?

  • System- A set of interrelated objects. Made up of components of processes. Involves the store and transfer of energy and matter/material.

Open System

Input -> [Stores and Processes] -> Outputs -> Feedback -> Input

Closed System

<- Energy [Inputs -> Stores and Proceses -> Outputs -> Inputs] -> Energy

1 of 3

Energy

Potential Energy

  • Capacity to do work that a body possess by virtue of its position (i.e. position of ice/water/material)

Kinetic Energy

  • Capacity to do work as a result of motion (i.e. wind/water/ice movement)

Thermal Energy

  • Capacity to do work as a result of heat (i.e. sun's energy)
2 of 3

Equilibrium

[Inputs = Outputs] -> Equilibrium

  • However, in a short period of time , inputs and outputs are rarely equal (constantly adjusting to inputs/outputs)
  • Equilibrium may be maintained in the long term
  • As a result, most glaciers are in a state of dynamic equilibrium
3 of 3

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Glacial Landscapes resources »