After a threshold is crossed, the landscape
A) remains unstable thereafter.
B) adjusts to a new equilibrium condition.
C) looks identical to the landscape that existed prior to the crossing of the threshold.
D) Any of these are equally likely to occur.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a threshold is crossed, the system experiences a significant change that alters the equilibrium condition. This means that the landscape will adjust to a new equilibrium condition instead of remaining unstable or returning to the previous state. Therefore, option B is the best choice. Option C is incorrect because the system has been changed, so it is unlikely that the landscape will look the same as before. Option A is incorrect because stability may be re-established, but only after the system has adjusted to the new equilibrium condition. Option D is incorrect because not all choices are equally likely to occur, with option B being the most likely outcome.

After a Threshold Is Crossed, the Landscape