Topic+1+Objectives

=**Topic 1: Systems and Models** (5h)=

1.1.1 Concept and Characteristics of a System

__ http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/physgeog/studyguide/studyguide4.html __ great intro reading on systems theory and useful glossary - go to the contents section, chapter 4 for complete notes

__ http://www.tenet.edu/teks/web/science/112.44 __ describes system and basic properties

1.1.2 Define **open system**, **closed system** and **isolated system** These terms should be applied when characterizing real systems.


 * open system** = exchanges matter and energy with its surrounding (e.g. an ecosystem).
 * closed system** = exchanges energy but not matter; do not naturally occur on Earth (e.g. Biosphere II experiment was an attempt to model this).
 * isolated system** = exchanges neither matter nor energy; no such systems exist with the possible exception of the entire cosmos.

__ http://www.fes.uwaterloo.ca/u/jjkay/pubs/ecosys/properties.html __ properties of systems as they relate to ecosystems

__ http://www.bio2.edu/virtualtour/index.htm __ virtual tour of the Biosphere 2

__ http://www.bio2.edu/k12_programs/passport_912.html __ educational reading and research activities on Biosphere 2

1.1.3 Define how the **first** and **second laws of thermodynamics** are relevant to environmental systems. The **first law** concerns the conservation of energy. The **second law** explains the dissipation of energy that is then not available to do work, bringing about disorder. The second law is most simply stated as, “in any isolated system entropy tends to increase spontaneously.” This means that energy and materials go from a concentrated to a dispersed form (the availability of energy to do work diminishes) and the system becomes increasingly disordered.

Both laws should be examined in relation to the energy transformations and maintenance of order in living systems.

// The principle of the conservation of __energy__ states that __energy can neither be created nor__ // //__ destroyed __. //

definitions of thermodynamics and systems (but examples related to heat engines not environment)
 * __ http://www.taftan.com/thermodynamics/ __

life as a manifestation of the second law of thermodynamics - a difficult read but toward the end discusses a Thermodynamic Analysis of Ecosystems
 * __ http://www.fes.uwaterloo.ca/u/jjkay/pubs/Life_as/RTFToC3 __

__ http://www.jameskay.ca/about/thermo.html __ thermodynamics and ecosystems

1.1.4 Explain the nature of equilibria. A **steady-state equilibrium** should be understood as the common property of most open systems in nature. A **static equilibrium**, in which there is no change, should be appreciated as a condition to which natural systems can be compared. (Since there is disagreement in the literature regarding the definition of dynamic equilibrium, this term should be avoided.) Students should appreciate, however, that some systems may undergo **long-term changes** to their equilibrium while retaining an **integrity** to the system (e.g. succession). The **relative stability** of an equilibrium-the tendency of the system to return to that original equilibrium following disturbance rather than adopting a new one-should also be understood.

__ http://www.ipmworld.umn.edu/chapters/ecology.htm __ some equilbrium graphs applied to population dynamics

__ http://lead.virtualcentre.org/en/dec/toolbox/Refer/Nonequil.htm __ equilbrium and non-equilbrium ecosystems

__ http://home.csumb.edu/m/mooresteve/world/courses/systems/web_notes/wn2b_pattern_graphs.h __ __ tm __ graphs of equilibrium and non-equilibrium states

1.1.5 Define and explain the principles of **positive feedback** and **negative feedback**. The self-regulation of natural systems is achieved by the attainment of equilibrium through feedback systems. **Negative feedback** is a self-regulating method of control leading to the maintenance of a steady state equilibrium-it counteracts deviation. **Positive feedback** leads to increasing change in a system-it accelerates deviation. Feedback links involve **time lags**.

__ http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/physgeog/contents/4f.html __ feedback and equilbrium - nice graphs

1.1.6 Describe **transfer** and **transformation** processes. to an interaction within a system in the formation of a new end product, or involve a change of state. Using water as an example, run-off is a transfer process and evaporation is a transformation process. Dead organic matter entering a lake is an example of a transfer process; decomposition of this material is a transformation process.
 * Transfers ** normally flow through a system and involve a change in location. **Transformations** lead

1.1.7 Distinguish between **flows** (**inputs** and **outputs**) and **storages** (**stock**) in relation to systems. Identify flows through systems and describe their **direction** and **magnitude**.

__ http://pubs.usgs.gov/article/science/2002/vol296.html __ link to article on flow and storage of ground water

__ http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/jmartin/physical_geology/hydrologic_cycle.html __ water cycle - some flow and storage

1.1.8 Construct and analyse quantitative models involving flows and storage in a system. Natural storages, yields and outputs should be included in the form of clearly constructed diagrammatic and graphical models.

__ http://fbva.forvie.ac.at/iym/pdf/kolb.pdf __ data on nitrogen flow and storage - Alps

__ http://www.nwl.ac.uk/ih/nrfa/river_flow_data/river_flow_data_download.htm __ river flow data - UK

__ http://archive.concord.org/intl/beacon2/2alosing_water.html __ water flow and storage - activity

__ http://www.watres.com/software/sf-hysimb.html __ water cycle - includes link to simulation software

__ http://www1.eng.usm.my/redac/html/IRPA/soilclass/Research%20Background.htm __ examples of urbanization and flooding in Malaysia

__ http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/streamfl.htm __ stream flow data