What is the definition of feedback in the context of flux rates?

In the context of flux rates, feedback is defined as the dependence of the net rate on both the source and the receiver of a flux. This means that the net flux rate is influenced by not only the input coming from the source but also by the behavior or capacity of the receiver to process or respond to that input. This creates a dynamic interaction between what is being received and how that affects the overall system, which can lead to varying outcomes based on changes to either the source or the receiver.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it emphasizes the interconnected nature of systems where the output of one part of the system (the receiver) can impact the input it receives (the source), potentially leading to positive or negative feedback loops. Such feedback mechanisms can significantly alter the functioning and stability of ecological systems, especially in surface water quality dynamics where multiple factors are at play.