Geo Earth System Science

Define the term "systems" as used in geography.

In geography, the term "system" refers to a
1. set of interconnected components or elements

2. that work together as a cohesive unit

3. within the Earth's environment

These systems can be
-natural or
-human-made,

and they involve the interaction of various factors such as physical, biological, and human elements.

Some examples of systems in geography include:

1. Ecosystems: Interactions between living organisms and their physical environment.

2. Hydrological systems: The movement and cycling of water through the Earth's atmosphere, surface, and subsurface.

3. Climate systems: These involve the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, which together determine the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

4. Urban systems: The complex interactions within cities, including transportation networks, land use patterns, and social dynamics.

5. Economic systems: The production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a geographic area.

What are two types of sytems?

Open Systems

Closed Systems

Compare a closed system to an open system.

1. They have little to no interaction with their environment.
2. They do not exchange matter with their surroundings, and any energy exchange is minimal or controlled.

​Closed System:

1. interact with their environment.
2. They exchange energy, matter, or information with their surroundings, which can influence their behavior and evolution.

Open System:

​Open System

Open System Example


The Ocean

Closed System

A terrarium

​Closed System

1. These involve the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, which together determine the Earth's climate and weather patterns

Climate Systems

What is the atmosphere?

A mixture of different gases that envelope the earth.
The atmosphere provides living things with Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide