Water and carbon cycles

Water and carbon are cycled through open and closed systems. Systems are made up of inputs, stores and processes and outputs. These components are linked together by flows of energy and materials through the system.

Energy and materials move in and out of open systems. In closed systems only energy can enter and leave, materials cannot. Water and carbon cycles, at the global scale, are closed systems. Energy from the sun drives both cycles. However, no materials enter either of them. Small scale systems, such as a drainage basin or forst, energy and materials enter and leave. The water and carbon cycles are systems with inputs, stores, processes and outputs