Geography: Systems in Physical Geography Quiz

Which of the following best describes a system in geography?

• A single landform

• A set of interrelated components that work together

• A random collection of natural features

• A fixed, unchanging process

In an open system, which of the following can cross the system’s boundary?

• Energy only

• Matter only

• Neither energy nor matter

• Both energy and matter

Which of the following is an example of a closed system?

• The Earth (excluding energy from the Sun)

• A coastal landscape

• A drainage basin

• A river

What is an example of positive feedback in a coastal environment?

• Increased beach sediment reduces coastal erosion

• Rising sea levels cause more erosion, which leads to further sea level rise

• Vegetation stabilizing sand dunes, preventing erosion

• A cliff collapse causing the coast to remain in equilibrium

What does dynamic equilibrium mean in physical geography?

• A system that constantly changes without a pattern

• A system that remains completely stable

• A system that adjusts to balance changes in inputs and outputs

• A system where inputs always exceed outputs

The ________ consists of all living organisms on Earth.

• biosphere

• atmosphere

• lithosphere

• hydrosphere

The ________ refers to the frozen parts of the Earth's system, including glaciers and sea ice.

• cryosphere

• atmosphere

• lithosphere

• biosphere

________ feedback occurs when a system’s response enhances or amplifies a change, leading to greater instability.

• positive

• negative

• neutral

• dampening

________ systems have no interactions with their surroundings, meaning both matter and energy are self-contained.

• Isolated systems

• Open systems

• Closed systems

• Dynamic systems

An example of a flow/transfer in a coastal system is ________.

• An example of a flow/transfer in a coastal system is sediment transport.

• An example of a flow/transfer in a coastal system is photosynthesis.

• An example of a flow/transfer in a coastal system is evaporation.

• An example of a flow/transfer in a coastal system is precipitation.