Glossary

Solid, outermost layer of the Earth, with an average depth of 35 – 40 km.

Surface current in the Southern Ocean.

A system of mutually influencing living organisms and their physical environs. The definition of an ecosystem’s borders varies, depending on the respective research focus. Accordingly, the scale of ecosystems can range from very small to global.

Ocean currents created by the Earth’s rotation and winds.

A naturally occurring climate phenomenon formed in the Pacific between the west coast of South America and east coast of Asia (Australia, Indonesia).

Electromagnetic induction surveying.

The EM-Bird is a sensor used to determine the thickness of sea ice by helicopter or aeroplane

Earth System Model of Intermediate Complexity.

Release of substances, gases, etc. from natural or anthropogenic sources into the environment.

Emissions scenarios are potential future development paths for human emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols.

Projections on future emissions paths or observed emissions patterns.

A given surface’s ability to emit energy, measured against a perfectly black body with 100% emissivity.

Refers to species that are only found in naturally demarcated geographic regions.

Energy is the ability to do work, produce heat or emit light. It describes the status of a body and is a conserved quantity. In a closed system, the total energy remains unchanged.

The difference between total incoming energy and total outgoing energy.

The relation between energy input and energy utilisation in a system, conversion process or activity.

Acronym for “El Niño – Southern Oscillation”, is a general term for the system of Pacific teleconnections produced by feedbacks between these two phenomena.

Describes the extent to which a given policy, measure or instrument achieves a specific, decisive or desired environmental effect.

Organisms that live on plants but are not parasitic are epiphytic. Examples include algae, lichens and mosses.

A unit of measurement used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases on the basis of their GWP (global warming potential).

The process of natural removal and transport of soil and rock in response to weathering and loss of mass due to the influence of waterways, glaciers, waves, wind and groundwater.

Measuring sea ice in motion on the basis of a static system.

Bioluminescent crustaceans (krill) are marine crustaceans with naked gills. They are chiefly filter feeders and can emit light.

Krill.

A substance in phase equilibrium

The transition of a liquid into a gas without reaching the boiling point.

External forces are forces from outside the climate system that cause changes in the system.

When an entire species dies out worldwide.

EPSs are produced by various species of bacteria and cover the cell as a capsule. The capsule performs a wide range of functions, not all of which are fully understood.

An extreme weather event is one that rarely occurs at a given place and in a given season.