Define the following and give examples of each:
System: Is asset of components, or parts, that function together as a whole.
Open System: Some energy or material (solid, liquid, or gas) moves into or out of the system.
Closed System: No such transfer takes place such as energy or materials.
Materially Closed System: Is one in which no matter moves in and out of the system, although energy and information can move across the system’s boundaries.
Static System versus Dynamic System:
Has a fixed condition and tends to remain in that exact condition but a dynamic system changes, often continually, over time.
Steady-State System: The inputs (of anything of interest) are equal to the outputs, so the amount stored within the system is constant.
Why is the idea of equilibrium in systems somewhat misleading in regard to environmental questions? Is the establishment of a balance of nature ever possible?
There is an important practical question that keeps coming up in environmental controversies and that whether we want to, and should, force ecological systems to be static if and when they are naturally dynamic. Natural systems, left undisturbed by people, tend toward some steady state. The technical term for this is dynamic equilibrium but is referred to as the balance of nature.
Why is the concept of the ecosystem so important in the study of environmental science?
If we examine natural ecological systems in detail and over time, it evident that a steady state is maintained for long.
Should we be worried about disturbing ecosystems? Under what circumstances should we worry or not worry?
Changes over time can be expected. Studies suggest that disturbances are due to natural events are necessary for the maintenance of the system. Systems change naturally. If we are going to manage systems for the betterment of the environment then we need to gain a better understanding of how they change.
Define: Average Residence Time (How is it calculated?)
How long, on average, a unit of something of interest to us will remain in reservoir. It is calculated by using rates of change or input-output analysis of systems.
Discuss the difference between positive and negative feedback loops. Give an example of each.
Negative feedback is self-regulating, or stabilizing. It is the way that steady-state systems can remain in a constant condition An example is in an increase in temperature is followed by a response that leads to a decrease in temperature. Positive feedback occurs when an increase in output leads to a further increase in output. A fire starting in a forest is an example.
Define:
Flow: Is an amount transferred.
Flux: Is the rate of transfer per unit time.
Lag Time: The delay between a cause and the appearance of its effect.
Exponential Growth (What is the main idea- is it good or bad?)
It is a particularly important kind of feedback. Change is exponential when it increases or decreases at a constant rate per time period, rather than by a constant amount
System: Is asset of components, or parts, that function together as a whole.
Open System: Some energy or material (solid, liquid, or gas) moves into or out of the system.
Closed System: No such transfer takes place such as energy or materials.
Materially Closed System: Is one in which no matter moves in and out of the system, although energy and information can move across the system’s boundaries.
Static System versus Dynamic System:
Has a fixed condition and tends to remain in that exact condition but a dynamic system changes, often continually, over time.
Steady-State System: The inputs (of anything of interest) are equal to the outputs, so the amount stored within the system is constant.
Why is the idea of equilibrium in systems somewhat misleading in regard to environmental questions? Is the establishment of a balance of nature ever possible?
There is an important practical question that keeps coming up in environmental controversies and that whether we want to, and should, force ecological systems to be static if and when they are naturally dynamic. Natural systems, left undisturbed by people, tend toward some steady state. The technical term for this is dynamic equilibrium but is referred to as the balance of nature.
Why is the concept of the ecosystem so important in the study of environmental science?
If we examine natural ecological systems in detail and over time, it evident that a steady state is maintained for long.
Should we be worried about disturbing ecosystems? Under what circumstances should we worry or not worry?
Changes over time can be expected. Studies suggest that disturbances are due to natural events are necessary for the maintenance of the system. Systems change naturally. If we are going to manage systems for the betterment of the environment then we need to gain a better understanding of how they change.
Define: Average Residence Time (How is it calculated?)
How long, on average, a unit of something of interest to us will remain in reservoir. It is calculated by using rates of change or input-output analysis of systems.
Discuss the difference between positive and negative feedback loops. Give an example of each.
Negative feedback is self-regulating, or stabilizing. It is the way that steady-state systems can remain in a constant condition An example is in an increase in temperature is followed by a response that leads to a decrease in temperature. Positive feedback occurs when an increase in output leads to a further increase in output. A fire starting in a forest is an example.
Define:
Flow: Is an amount transferred.
Flux: Is the rate of transfer per unit time.
Lag Time: The delay between a cause and the appearance of its effect.
Exponential Growth (What is the main idea- is it good or bad?)
It is a particularly important kind of feedback. Change is exponential when it increases or decreases at a constant rate per time period, rather than by a constant amount