1. Topic 1: Systems

2. Topic 1.1.1: Outline the concept and characteristics of systems.

3. Definition: An assemblage of parts and their relationship forming a functioning whole.

4. ** The Earth and its ecosystems are synergistic **
Synergy: the cooperation of multiple elements to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects.
** The Earth and its ecosystems are synergistic **
Gaia Hypothesis

5. Topic 1.1.2: Apply the systems concept on a range of scales.

6. Systems can occur on many different scales…..
From the very large…
To the very small…

7. Flows and Storages Flows and storages show how things move
or are held in a system..
Flows show how things move and are usually
denoted with arrows.

8. Storages show where things are held or stored
and are usually denoted with boxes or circles.

9. Topic 1.1.3: Define the terms open system, closed system and isolated system..

10. Systems are classified into three different types: Open Closed
Isolated
1) Open: Open systems allow both matter and energy to be exchanged with its surroundings. Sunlight, air, water, and other substances are free to move in and out of the system.

11. 2) Closed: Closed systems allow energy, but not matter, to be
2) Closed: Closed systems allow energy, but not matter, to be exchanged with its surroundings.
Ecosystem in jar: Only sunlight energy penetrates the jar.
Earth: Other than a small number of meteoroids, only the sun’s energy enters the atmosphere.
Biosphere 2: Only energy from sunlight enters the sphere

12. Biosphere 2
Prototype space city. First attempt at a closed system on Earth.
Attempted twice and failed twice.
Both attempts were marked by fluctuating oxygen and CO2 levels
and not enough food being produced
Sabotage even occurred in the second attempt, as one of the participants
opened the doors to the outside

13. 3) Isolated: Isolated systems allow neither energy nor matter to be
3) Isolated: Isolated systems allow neither energy nor matter to be exchanged with its surroundings.
The universe is the only isolated system thought to exist, though we do not know for sure that it is isolated.