A collection of inter-related parts that work together by way of some driving process.
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Subsystem
A set of elements, which is a system itself, and a component of a larger system.
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Open System
A system that has external interaction - transfers of information, energy or materials across the system boundary.
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Closed System
A system that allows energy, bit not materials to cross the boundary.
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Positive Feedback
A change in the activity of one element causes an increase in the activity of another element. It aggravates the original change.
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Negative Feedback
A change in the activity of one element leads to a decrease in the activity of another element. It dampens the original change.
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Cascading System
Made up of a chain of open systems where the output from one open system forms the input into another.
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Linear System
A system that occurs in a particular sequence, such as a sand dune succession.
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Tipping Points
A level at which no additional forcing is required for large climate change and impacts so there is a new equilibrium state for the system.
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Topographic Maps
Maps of land areas based on height above sea level.
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Bathymetric Maps
Maps of oceans based upon measurements of depths below sea level.
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Continental Crust
Mixture of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks (older).
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Oceanic Crust
Igneous rock formed by sea floor spreading, overlain by layers of deep sea sediments (younger).
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Abyssal Plain
Lies between the continental rise and the mid-ocean ridge.
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Turbidity
A measure of the level of particles and sediment in a body of water. As turbidity increases, water becomes denser and less clear.
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Turbidity Currents
Set in motion when mud and sand on the continental shelf are loosened by earthquakes, collapsing slopes etc. Turbid water rushes down like an avalanche, picking up sediment and increasing in speed as it flows.
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Seamount
A mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surface.
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Tablemount or Guyot
An isolated underwater volcanic mountain with a flat top over 200 metres below the sea's surface.
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Salinity
How much salt is in a body of water..
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Ocean-atmosphere Oscilations
Natural climate fluctuations that take place on a cyclical basis, lasting a few months to a few decades.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
A set of elements, which is a system itself, and a component of a larger system.
Back
Subsystem
Card 3
Front
A system that has external interaction - transfers of information, energy or materials across the system boundary.
Back
Card 4
Front
A system that allows energy, bit not materials to cross the boundary.
Back
Card 5
Front
A change in the activity of one element causes an increase in the activity of another element. It aggravates the original change.
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