Glossary

The decibel (dB) is the unit of measurement for loudness.

Microorganisms that break down other lifeforms’ organic excretions and the organic substances left behind when they die, converting them into simple inorganic compounds.

Water masses at depths below ca. 1,000 m, which are formed by convection and overflow and spread from the convection areas to the interior ocean.

General term for compressed ice.

A density anomaly is a phenomenon in which a given substance’s density does not change with temperature or pressure in a linear manner. Instead, the density peaks at a certain temperature and/or pressure before declining again.

Detritus refers to particulate material produced by the decomposition of dead plants and animals. In the context of water, it also includes suspended organic sediments.

Describes a potential future climate and associated drivers. Development paths are also referred to as climate scenarios.

Microalgae.

Transformation of one form of energy into another.

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) refers to the total amount of dissolved inorganic carbon in water. It can be found in various carbonate species (bicarbonates, carbon dioxide and carbonates). The ratios of the various forms influence the pH value of the water and can reduce surface water’s ability to absorb CO₂.

DOC (dissolved organic carbon) generally refers to organic carbon compounds. A sum parameter, it is used to measure the total amount of dissolved, organic compounds. DOC particles are smaller than 0.45 µm in diameter.

Refers to changes in a given parameter in the course of the day.

This term is used to describe a type of sea-ice motion in which the ice generally drifts apart.

Due to divergent motion, the ice concentration is reduced, causing any tension in the ice to subside.

Mathematical technique used to apply the projections in global climate models to the regional scale.

The distance between the underside of sea ice and the ocean’s surface.

A term used to broadly describe an area covered by sea ice, regardless of the type or distribution – except for fast ice and new ice. Examples include ice floes formed when grease ice or slush freezes in a choppy sea, or when sheets of new ice break up.

Ice on rivers, lakes or seas that moves in response to wind, currents or other forces.

Drought refers to a lack of water, most often caused by insufficient precipitation and / or increased evaporation due to higher temperatures (or wind).

Dynamic regional models “reconstruct” Earth’s climate system on the basis of physically describable relations.