Earth System Science Introduction to Systems Thinking

Earth System Science Systems Concept Systems Concept – System – a group of interrelated and interacting objects and phenomena; any portion of the universe that can be isolated from the rest of the universe for the purpose of observing changes – Surroundings – the region outside the boundaries of the system

Earth System Science Systems Concept Systems Concept – System Classification Classification – Nature of the boundary » Open » Closed » Isolated

Earth System Science Systems Concept Systems Concept – System Classification Classification – Energy and Work » Dynamic » Static – Most Earth systems are open and dynamic

Earth System Science

Systems Concept Systems Concept – The systems concept allows us to construct models of systems that can then be used to predict the consequences of a change (e.g. emission of greenhouse gases) on different parts of the system

Earth System Science Systems Concept Systems Concept – Earth System Science – study of the interconnections among different Earth systems and the changes that occur in them with time.

Earth System Science

Systems Concept Systems Concept – Gaia Hypothesis James Lovelock – British biochemist James Lovelock – British biochemist Lynn Margulis – American biologist Lynn Margulis – American biologist