Scribd
Upload
84 views12 pages

Systems Approach in Environmental Science

Here are the processes copied into the correct columns: Transfers Transformations The movement of Matter to energy Energy to energy material through living (burning fossil fuels) (Light converted to organisms (carnivores heat by radiating eating other animals) surfaces) The movement of energy (ocean The movement of currents transferring Matter to matter material in a non-living heat) Adaptaded from Brad Cramer http://www.mrgscience.com/ 1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name: 8. Define open, closed and isolated systems:

Uploaded by

Eerika Rs
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
84 views12 pages

Systems Approach in Environmental Science

Here are the processes copied into the correct columns: Transfers Transformations The movement of Matter to energy Energy to energy material through living (burning fossil fuels) (Light converted to organisms (carnivores heat by radiating eating other animals) surfaces) The movement of energy (ocean The movement of currents transferring Matter to matter material in a non-living heat) Adaptaded from Brad Cramer http://www.mrgscience.com/ 1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name: 8. Define open, closed and isolated systems:

Uploaded by

Eerika Rs
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.

2 Systems and Models Name:

Understandings, Applications and Skills (This is what you may be assessed on)

Significant ideas
 A systems approach can help in the study of complex environmental issues
 The use of systems and models simplifies interactions but may provide a more holistic view without
reducing issues to single processes
Big questions
 What strengths and weaknesses of the systems approach and the use of models have been revealed
through this topic?
 How does a systems approach facilitate a holistic approach to understanding?
 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the systems you have examined in this section?
 What have you learned about models and how they can be used, for example, to predict climate
change? Do their benefits outweigh their limitations?

Statement Guidance
1.2.U1 A systems approach is a way of visualizing a complex set of A systems approach should be taken for all the
interactions which may be ecological or societal. topics covered in the ESS course

1.2.U2 These interactions produce the emergent properties of the


system

1.2.U3 The concept of a system can be applied at a range of scales. Biosphere refers to the part of the Earth
inhabited by organisms that extends from the
upper parts of the atmosphere to deep within
the Earth’s crust.
1.2.U4 A system is comprised of storages and flows

1.2.U5 The flows provide inputs and outputs of energy and matter.
1.2.U6 The flows are processes that may be either transfers (a change
in location) or transformations (a change in the chemical nature,
a change in state or a change in energy
1.2.U7 In system diagrams, storages are usually represented as Students should interpret given system
rectangular boxes and flows as arrows, with the direction of diagrams and use data to produce their own for
each arrow indicating the direction of each flow. The size of the a variety of examples, such as carbon cycling,
boxes and the arrows may be representative of the food production and soil systems
size/magnitude of the storage or flow.
1.2.U8 An open system exchanges both energy and matter across its
boundary while a closed system exchanges only energy across
its boundary.
1.2.U9 An isolated system is a hypothetical concept in which neither
energy nor matter is exchanged across the boundary.
1.2.U10 Ecosystems are open systems; closed systems only exist
experimentally, although the global geochemical cycles
approximate to closed systems.
1.2.U11 A model is a simplified version of reality and can be used to
understand how a system works and to predict how it will
respond to change.
1.2.U12 A model inevitably involves some approximation and therefore
loss of accuracy.

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

1.2.A1 Evaluate the use of models as a tool in a given situation, for


example, climate change predictions.

1.2.S1 Construct a system diagram or a model from a given set of


information.

1.2.U1 A systems approach is a way of visualizing a complex set of interactions which may be ecological or societal.
1.2.U2 These interactions produce the emergent properties of the system
1.2.U3 The concept of a system can be applied at a range of scales.

1. Define a system

2. Identify the importance of the system approach

3. List the components of a system

4. Complete the table below using THREE examples of systems

Behavior of parts taken Behavior of parts as a whole


Example of a system
separately system
Bicycle Wheel spin in circles Bicycle moves forward
Pedals move up and down

5. Systems

a. Environmental Systems

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

b. Social Systems

c. Earth as a System – Watch [Link]

d. Gaia Hypothesis - Watch [Link] and summarize the Gaia


hypothesis in your own words

The Gaia theory and Daisyworld (we will have an assignment on this in class)

As part of the supporting evidence for the Gaia hypothesis, James Lovelock and Andrew Watson, developed
a computer model called Daisyworld. This model demonstrates how emergent properties can develop from
the interaction between non-living and living components of a system. Feedback loops develop to maintain
a constant environment

Daisyworld is an artificial world having a very simple biota which is specifically designed to display the
characteristics in which we are interested - namely, close coupling of the biota and the global environment
(McGuffie and Henderson-Sellers,1997). This simple (zero-dimensional) computer model is designed to
illustrate Lovelock's Gaia Hypothesis, which views the Earth as a living, self-regulating entity. While evolving,
life forms on earth modulate their environment (temperature, etc.).

Watch the video clip on Daisyword. [Link] More information at wikipedia:


[Link]

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

e. Scale of
Environmental
System

6. Draw a diagram in the space below to show how a tree can be considered as a system

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

1.2. U4 A system is comprised of storages and flows


1.2.U5 The flows provide inputs and outputs of energy and matter.
1.2. U6 The flows are processes that may be either transfers (a change in location) or transformations (a change in
the chemical nature, a change in state or a change in energy
1.2.U7 In system diagrams, storages are usually represented as rectangular boxes and flows as arrows, with
the direction of each arrow indicating the direction of each flow. The size of the boxes and the arrows may
be representative of the size/magnitude of the storage or flow.
1.2.S1 Construct a system diagram or a model from a given set of information.

1. Systems consists of:


a. Input –
(these are represented as a _______________)

b. Output –
(these are represented as a _______________)

c. Storage –
(these are represented as a _______________)

d. Flows –
(these are represented as a _______________)

e. Boundaries –
(these are represented as a _______________)

f. Processes –
(these are represented as ________________)

2. Complete the diagram

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

1. Using a named example explain storage

2. Using a named example explain flow

3. Using a named example explain inputs of energy and matter

4. Using a named example explain outputs of energy and matter

5. State how matter moves through a system

6. Differentiate between transfer and transformation

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

__________________ = when a flow of energy or matter does not involve a change of form or state.
There is normally a change of location.

__________________ = when a flow of energy or matter involves a change of state

7. Look at the processes below. Copy each one into the correct column of the following table, depending on
whether they are a transfer or a transformation.

Transfers Transformations

The movement of Matter to energy Energy to energy


material through living (burning fossil fuels) (Light converted to
organisms (carnivores heat by radiating
eating other animals) surfaces)
The movement of
energy (ocean
The movement of currents transferring Matter to matter
material in a non-living heat) (soluble glucose
process (water being converted to insoluble
carried by a stream) Energy to matter starch in plants)
(photosynthesis)

8. How can energy be lost in a system?

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

9. Create a systems diagram here, showing the inputs, outputs, storages, flows, transfers, and transformations
within a single leaf of a Pinus sylvestris. (Pine tree)

1.2.U8 An open system exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary while a closed system exchanges only
energy across its boundary.
1.2.U9 An isolated system is a hypothetical concept in which neither energy nor matter is exchanged across the
boundary.
1.2.U10 Ecosystems are open systems; closed systems only exist experimentally, although the global geochemical
cycles approximate to closed systems.

10. Using a named example explain an open system. Identify two inputs and two outputs. Make sure identify
them as matter and energy

11. Using a named example explain a closed system.

12. Watch the video on Biosphere 2 [Link] Summarize Biosphere 2 as a closed system

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

13. Using a named example explain an isolated system

1.2.U11 A model is a simplified version of reality and can be used to understand how a system works and to predict
how it will respond to change.
1.2.U12 A model inevitably involves some approximation and therefore loss of accuracy.
1.2.A1 Evaluate the use of models as a tool in a given situation, for example, climate change predictions.

14. Give two examples of a model

15. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of models

Advantages Disadvantages

If there are no figures on the models it gives a false


Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]
1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

impression. Food webs just show the patterns of feeding


and no figures.

Can study things that are either too small or too large for
us to deal with. E.g. Atoms and our solar system.

16. Below are 5 different climate model simulations. You should be able to discuss the strengths and weakness of
each of these models. Which model do you believe is the best for understanding climate change? Justify your
reasoning! (This will be in inclass assignment)

 Concord Consortium Climate Model ([Link]


climate)
 Window's to the Universe Climate Model ([Link]
page=/earth/climate/cli_model.html)
 Koshland Science Museum Climate Model ([Link]
science/earth-lab/modeling)
 UCAR Climate Model ([Link]
 Java Climate Model ([Link]

Theory of knowledge:

17. Models are simplified constructions of reality—in the construction of a model, how can we know which
aspects of the world to include and which to ignore?

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

ESS can be like learning a new language. So many words are not commonly used in everyday English. This can be
challenging. To help you keep up with ESS Terms, you will need to create your own ESS DICTIONARY. You should add
to this over the year and keep it in your notebook or on a page file THAT YOU CAN UPDATE AND ADD TO EASILY. Most
of the vocabulary words can be found either on your STUDY GUIDE or at [Link].

You will be responsible for leaning the words and their meaning. Periodic quizzes will be given on the words. So,
make your dictionary creative and you will remember the words more easily.

KEY TERMS

Synergy

Gaia hypothesis

Biosphere

System

closed system

emergent properties

models

flows

inputs

outputs

model

reductionist approach

energy transfer

equilibria

ecosystem

functional

transfers

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]


1. Foundations of environmental systems and models – 1.2 Systems and Models Name:

storage

processes

assemblage

matter

transformation

open system

energy efficiency

flows

stock

boundaries

isolated system

Adaptaded from Brad Cramer [Link]

Common questions

Powered by AI

Storages are components that hold matter or energy, while flows refer to the movement of these throughout the system as inputs and outputs. In the carbon cycle, atmospheres and oceans act as storages, while flows involve processes like photosynthesis and respiration. Keeping balance in these storages and flows is crucial for maintaining system equilibrium, as unbalanced flows can lead to changes in climate and ecosystem states .

An open system exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary, whereas a closed system only exchanges energy. Ecosystems serve as examples of open systems where both energy and nutrients flow in and out. In contrast, the Earth’s geochemical cycles are often treated as closed systems, as they primarily involve energy exchange without matter escaping or entering significantly .

The biosphere as a model represents the global ecological system integrating all living beings with their environments. It demonstrates interactions on a planetary scale, offering insights into global cycles and energy flow. However, its limitations include difficulties in capturing localized environmental variations and complex feedbacks due to its macro-scale nature and inherent system simplification, which can lead to insufficient predictions of regional impacts .

While models simplify reality to understand system behavior and predict future changes, they involve approximations that lead to loss of accuracy. Potential pitfalls include reliance on inaccurate representations due to oversimplification and the inability to capture unforeseen variables. Furthermore, models may fail to encompass all dynamic interactions and emergent properties present in real ecosystems, potentially leading to inaccurate climate change predictions .

Emergent properties arise from the interactions and relationships between system components and cannot be deduced by examining parts in isolation. In ecosystems, they enhance understanding by revealing complex behaviors resulting from interactions, such as resilience or stability, which are not apparent in individual elements. This insight helps in managing ecosystems by emphasizing interconnectedness and holistic conservation strategies .

Transformations involve a change in the chemical nature, state, or energy of a substance, such as photosynthesis (energy to matter). Transfers, on the other hand, involve changes in location without altering the form, such as water movement in streams. In ecosystem modeling, transformations can indicate changes in function or form affecting ecological interactions, while transfers highlight movement and distribution patterns within the ecosystem .

Daisyworld, a model used to demonstrate the Gaia hypothesis, illustrates how life forms (biotic elements) can modulate their environment (abiotic elements) to stabilize climate conditions. The interaction of flowers with the planet's albedo adjusts the thermal balance, showcasing how biotic processes can feedback into and regulate the abiotic environment, thus supporting the concept of Earth as a self-regulating entity .

The systems approach is beneficial for understanding complex interactions among ecological or societal elements by providing a holistic view. It allows for the visualization of emergent properties that arise from interconnected elements. However, its strengths include simplifying the complex interdependencies, which can oversimplify reality and overlook critical discrete elements or processes. Moreover, while helping to predict responses to changes, the inherent complexity might lead to loss of precision in predictions .

When constructing models, important criteria include accuracy and relevance of input data, comprehensiveness in representing interactions, scalability, and flexibility in adjusting to new data. Additionally, transparency in assumptions and simplicity without loss of significant detail are crucial for interpretability and application in decision-making. These criteria ensure models reflect realistic scenarios, enabling informed decisions in environmental management .

Energy loss in a system can occur through processes like heat radiation during energy transformations. This loss reduces the energy available for work, decreasing system efficiency. It impacts ecological and technological systems by reducing the effectiveness of energy conversions and transfers, leading to less resourceful management of energy inputs such as sunlight in photosynthesis or electricity in mechanical systems .

You might also like