physical geography
... of output = input. Processing of energy and matter are constant. h) Dynamic equilibrium- systems gradually change progressively through time, ie they show trends, steady increase or decrease (mean) i) Metastable equilibrium- systems show marked rapid and irreversible changes through one equilibrium state to another. Feedback; Information produced by the system determines its persistence stability „ª Negative feedback- feedback information discourages response in the system, tend to maintain balance. „ª Positive feedback- will cause a change in the systems behaviour. Energy entering and leaving the Earth¡¦s system is determined by; 1. the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation (wavelength > absorption, etc) 2. the intensity and duration of the solar radiation 3. the nature of the atmosphere through which it passes (in and out) 4. the nature of the objects on which it impinges (absorption vs reflection etc.) Radiation; Radiation from the sun is received unevenly at the earth¡¦s surface. Aspect of that unevenness is the variation of the duration of radiation and its intensity (ie curvature of the earth varies). This is determined by the sphericity of the earth a...