Question

Matter on earth constantly cycles between the different reservoirs of the earth system. as matter cycles through the earth's reservoirs, what effect does this have on the total amount of matter on earth

Answer 1

The cycles within which earth's matter moves are closed systems. This means nothing is gained or lost from the system; it only changes from one form to the other. The total amount of matter on earth remains the same. Using tectonic plates as an example, divergent boundaries occur where new oceanic crust is being created. New crust is being created and simultaneously the same amount of crust is being destroyed at convergent margins.