Glossary

Stands for Radio Detection and Ranging and is an active sending and receiving system in the microwave domain.

Difference between radiative flows received by the Earth-atmosphere system in the form of shortwave radiation from the sun and those reflected back into space by the same system in the form of longwave radiation.

The radiation balance is the difference between the total incoming energy and energy reflected back into space at the edge of the atmosphere. In addition, the radiation balance takes into account the changes in energy fluxes caused by absorption, emission, scattering and reflection.

Change in the net energy balance (incoming energy minus outbound energy; expressed in watts per square metre: Wm^-2) at the tropopause (border between the troposphere and stratosphere) due to changes in an external forcing factor affecting the climate system.

Process in which one piece of ice is shoved atop another; most apparent in the case of new ice and young ice (see also Finger rafting), but actually typical for ice of any thickness.

Reanalyses are created by combining extensive Earth observations with an atmospheric or ocean model through what is known as data assimilation.

The use of climate indicators to determine the (generally, past) climate.

Value for a quantifiable parameter that is used to assess an alternative outcome, e.g. using a scenario without intervention as a reference for analysing intervention scenarios.

Reflectivity (p) determines the percentage of the light that is reflected back when a light beam strikes a surface.

Refers to the process in which organic material like dead plants and animals is broken down by bacteria and other microbial organisms, producing inorganic nutrients like nitrate, phosphate and carbon. These nutrients can in turn be absorbed by plants and other organisms, promoting growth and fuelling metabolism. Remineralisation plays an important part in global carbon and nutrient cycles and helps preserve the health of ecosystems.

Taken from ongoing or repeating natural energy flows, includes CO₂-free technologies like solar energy, hydropower, wind, tides, waves and geothermal, as well as CO₂-neutral technologies like biomass.

Radiative forcing.

Study of the flow of matter.

Refers to the process in which pressure ridges are formed.