1. USGS thesaurus

Marine Realms Information Bank (MRIB) keywords

Theme keywords from the former Marine Realms Information Bank, focusing on characteristics of coasts and oceans, processes acting on them, and human concerns about them.
coastal change hazards topics
agents of coastal change
natural phenomena and human activities that cause changes in coastal processes, landscapes, and ecosystems.
natural agents of coastal change
natural phenomena that cause changes in coastal processes, landscapes, and ecosystems.
changes in relative sea level
observed changes in sea level caused by 1) an increase or decrease in the volume of ocean water or 2) uplift or subsidence of the coast.
compactional subsidence
local subsidence of the coast caused by expulsion or extraction of subsurface fluids from porous earth materials.
global changes in relative sea level
worldwide changes in sea level caused by an increase or decrease in the volume of ocean water.
local changes in relative sea level
local changes in sea level caused by 1) uplift or subsidence of the coast or 2) transitory phenomena such as storm surge.
tectonic subsidence
local changes in sea level caused by crustal processes that depress the coast.
tectonic uplift
local changes in sea level caused by crustal processes that elevate the coast.
global climate change
includes all natural agents of coastal change for which global climate change is the ultimate cause.
meteorologic aspects of global climate change
includes all meteorologic agents of coastal change for which global climate change is the ultimate cause.
oceanographic aspects of global climate change
includes all oceanographic agents of coastal change for which global climate change is the ultimate cause.
coastal processes
oceanographic and geologic processes that cause changes to the shoreline and coastal zone.
currents
used for all ocean currents in the nearshore environment, including longshore, tidal, and rip currents.
longshore currents
shore-parallel currents within the surf zone that transport sediment along the coast. (use for littoral drift, longshore drift)
tidal currents
episodic currents that occur as sea level rises and falls with the tidal cycle; these currents intensify as they pass through narrow channels separating larger bodies of water (such as the open ocean and a lagoon).
coastal landsliding
used for both subaerial and submarine landsliding in the coastal zone.
river discharge
interpreted broadly to include the discharge of water, sediment, debris, and contaminants.
seiches
standing waves ("sloshing") in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of water such as a lake, harbor, or bay; may be caused by strong winds or seismic disturbances.
storm surge
abnormal rise in sea level accompanying low-pressure weather systems such as tropical cyclones.
storms
low-pressure weather systems including tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons) and extratropical cyclones (winter storms).
El Nino events
the warm phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), typically accompanied by intensified winter storm activity in the eastern Pacific.
tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons)
the term "tropical cyclones" is generic; "hurricanes" refers to tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and northeast Pacific; "typhoons" refers to tropical cyclones in the northwest Pacific.
winter storms
extratropical cyclones.
tides
the cyclic rise and fall of sea level due to gravitational forces and the rotation of the Earth.
tsunamis
waves produced by submarine earthquakes or landslides, known informally as "tidal waves" (although unrelated to the tides).
waves
used for waves acting as agents of erosion and sediment transport in coastal and nearshore environments.
wind
used for damaging winds that accompany winter storms and tropical cyclones.
seismic ground response
used for seismic shaking and ground failures accompanying earthquakes.
coseismic liquefaction
the failure of saturated soil and unconsolidated sediment during seismic shaking.
anthropogenic agents of coastal change
human activities that cause changes in coastal processes, landscapes, and ecosystems.
artificial inlet construction
typically, the deliberate breaching of a coastal barrier to create a channel that connects lagoon with open ocean.
beach maintenance
organized activities to groom and clean beaches.
climate alteration
human activities that contribute to global climate change, which in turn affects many "natural" agents of coastal change.
coastal development
includes municipal and industrial development; transportation infrastructure; recreational facilities; and other human constructs that impact the coastal zone.
coastal protection structures
used for the unintended effects of coastal protection structures on coastal processes such as sediment transport and erosion.
dredging operations
includes dredging for navigation and for aggregate mining, both of which impact oceanographic processes and benthic habitats.
dredge spoils disposal
includes all processes for relocating material excavated during dredging.
dune alteration
human activities that remove dune material or affect dune habitats.
highway construction
used for both short- and long-term effects of highway construction on coastal processes and ecosystems.
coastal pollution
municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste introduced to coastal environments.
resource extraction
activities that remove earth materials from the coastal zone, such as the mining of aggregates from beaches or the shallow sea floor.
river basin development
used for the downstream impacts of activities related to flood control, providing water for a variety of uses, power generation, transportation, and recreation.
dam construction
used for the downstream impacts of dams constructed for flood control and providing water.
inland waterways
a navigable network of interconnected rivers and canals.
dam removal
used for downstream impacts of decommissioning and removing dams, including sedimentation, ecological changes, and changes in water quality.
subsurface fluid withdrawal
used for the consequences of withdrawing groundwater or petroleum.
groundwater pumping
includes consequences such as saltwater intrusion and ground subsidence.
saltwater intrusion induced by groundwater pumping
the influx of saltwater into coastal aquifers due to groundwater "overdrafts" caused by pumping that exceeds recharge.
subsidence induced by groundwater pumping
local or regional lowering of the ground surface caused by compaction of an aquifer following extensive pumping.
petroleum extraction
includes consequences such as well leakage, surface spills, and ground subsidence.
subsidence induced by petroleum extraction
local or regional lowering of the ground surface caused by compaction of a petroleum reservoir following extensive pumping.
wetland destruction
human activities that degrade wetlands, including "reclamation" for urban, industrial, or agricultural development, hydrologic alterations for flood control or transportation, and the introduction of pollutants.
coastal sediment budget
natural phenomena or human activities that alter the balance between sediment sources and sinks in the coastal system.
sediment sinks
processes that remove sediment from the coastal system, such as shoreline accretion, offshore transport, and resource extraction.
sediment sources
processes that contribute sediment to the coastal system, such as shoreline erosion, onshore transport, and river discharge.
effects of coastal change
changes in coastal processes, landscapes, and ecosystems.
barrier island migration
the slow, landward movement of barrier islands in response to sea level rise and repeated storm washover.
coastal emergence
exposure of the coast caused by a fall in relative sea level.
flooding
inundation of coastal areas by waves, tsunamis, extreme tides, or river discharge.
habitat alteration
includes changes to marine, terrestrial, and freshwater habitats in the coastal zone.
alteration of beach habitats
includes physical and ecological alterations.
alteration of benthic habitats
includes physical and ecological alterations.
alteration of coastal dune habitats
includes physical and ecological alterations.
alteration of wetland habitats
includes physical and ecological alterations.
coastal saltwater intrusion
landward movement of the saltwater-freshwater interface in a coastal aquifer.
shoaling
the shallowing of coastal sea floor.
shoreline accretion
seaward migration of the shoreline resulting from the addition of earth materials.
shoreline erosion
landward migration of the shoreline resulting from the removal of earth materials.
long term shoreline erosion
cumulative shoreline erosion in response to processes operating over a long period of time (in human terms).
short term shoreline erosion
episodic shoreline erosion in response to processes operating over a short period of time (in human terms), typically extreme events.
coastal submergence
inundation of the coast caused by a rise in relative sea level.
human responses to coastal change
actions, strategies, and policies intended to lessen current or anticipated impacts of coastal change on human populations, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems.
disaster recovery and reconstruction
restoration of infrastructure damaged by a coastal disaster.
emergency response
coordinated response during or immediately after a coastal disaster to alleviate its impact.
legislation
laws and regulations intended to lessen current or anticipated impacts of coastal change on human populations, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems.
mitigation strategies
common approaches include "hard" or "soft" shoreline stabilization and the relocation of threatened infrastructure.
hard shoreline stabilization
the use of engineered structures to armor or otherwise protect the shoreline against erosional agents such as waves and currents.
breakwaters
offshore structures designed to reduce the wave energy reaching a harbor or the shore.
bulkheads and seawalls
shore-parallel structures designed to prevent erosion (bulkheads) or deflect waves (seawalls).
groins
shore-perpendicular structures designed to trap sand moving with the longshore current.
jetties
structures extending into a body of water for deflecting or confining currents.
revetments
shore-parallel structures designed to dissipate wave energy.
soft shoreline stabilization
mitigating coastal erosion by managing the sediment budget (e.g., beach nourishment) or planting erosion-resistant vegetation.
beach nourishment
artificial means of adding sand to the beach system, for the purpose of mitigating erosion.
dune restoration
includes physical and ecological restoration.
sand bypassing
artificial means of transporting sand around a barrier to longshore drift (e.g., jetties).
wetland restoration
includes physical and ecological restoration.
infrastructure relocation
landward relocation of infrastructure to reduce the risk from coastal hazards.
public policy
policies adopted at any level of government to guide coastal management, hazard mitigation, and disaster preparedness.
coastal zone management
used for formal programs at any level of government, such as the Coastal Zone Management Program (a federal-state partnership in the United States).
disaster preparedness
preemptive efforts to minimize the impact of future disasters.
public awareness
educating the public about natural hazards and what can be done to minimize the impact of future disasters.
feature type
planet
a celestial body orbiting a star.
earth system
the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, with emphasis on their interactions.
atmosphere
the layer of gases surrounding Earth or another celestial body.
ice
used for sea ice, icebergs, glaciers, and ice sheets.
glacier
a terrestrial body of ice moving slowly under its own weight.
ice sheet
a stable, terrestrial body of ice larger than an ice cap or glacier.
groundwater
subsurface water saturating porous earth materials. (use for ground water)
aquifer
a porous and permeable body of earth materials saturated with groundwater.
black smoker
a submarine hydrothermal vent.
cold seep
a submarine vent discharging unheated groundwater.
hydrothermal vent
a terrestrial or submarine vent discharging geothermally heated groundwater.
landform
a geomorphic feature recognized as distinct from the surrounding terrain.
abyssal plain
large flat areas in the ocean basins.
atoll
ringlike island or islands surrounding a lagoon.
bank
used for either 1) the ground bordering a body of water or 2) an area of sea floor surrounded by deeper water.
basin
used for large topographic depressions, both subaerial and submarine; distinct from (but sometimes related to) sedimentary basins and structural basins.
bay
a recess in the shoreline, typically bounded by capes or headlands.
beach
a gently sloping shore, generally underlain by sand or gravel and subject to the action of waves and tides.
beach ridge
the ridge defining the landward limit of a current of former beach, often capped by dunes.
caldera
the crater formed by the collapse of a volcano.
canyon
a steeply walled valley formed by fluvial erosion.
cape
a prominent headland along the shore.
cave
a natural underground cavity or chamber.
cliff
a very steep, vertical, or overhanging slope.
coast
the distinctive terrain between the shore and inland areas; varies in width.
coastal barrier
relatively narrow, subaerial ridges parallel to the shore, formed by wind, waves, and longshore currents; includes both barrier islands (separated from mainland by a bay or lagoon) and spits (attached to the mainland).
coastal plain
used for plains adjacent to a large body of water.
continental margin
the zone of transition between the continents and oceans, including the continental shelf, slope, and rise.
continental shelf
the gently sloping sea floor between the coast and the continental slope.
continental slope
the more steeply sloping sea floor seaward of the continental shelf.
cove
a recess in the shoreline smaller than a bay.
crater
used for both volcanic craters and impact craters.
creek
a stream that is smaller than a river.
deep sea fan
a fan composed of sediment deposited by turbidity currents. (use for deep-sea fan)
delta
alluvial deposits at the mouth of a river.
dune
a mound or ridge of wind-blown sand.
escarpment
a steep slope separating two areas of flatter terrain. (use for scarp)
estuary
the lower course of a river, subject to tides and mixing of fresh and salt water.
fjord
narrow, steep-sided ocean inlet representing a drowned glacial valley.
gulf
a recess in the shoreline larger than a bay.
harbor
a sheltered anchorage, natural or artificial. (use for harbour)
hill
a topographic prominence smaller than a mountain.
inland sea
a shallow sea that is largely surrounded by land and has limited communication with the open ocean.
island
a relatively small landmass surrounded on all sides by water.
barrier island
an elongate island that is parallel to the shore and separated from the mainland by a bay or lagoon.
island chain
a string of geologically related islands.
coral island
an island formed of coral reefs and detritus, followed by a change in relative sea level.
volcanic island
an island formed by the emergence of a submarine volcano.
lagoon
a shallow body of water separated from the open ocean by barrier islands or coral reefs.
lake
a body of water surrounded by land and larger than a pond.
lake bed
the bottom of a lake. (use for lakebed)
lakeshore
the boundary between a lake and the surrounding land.
lava flow
used for either 1) streams of molten rock erupted from a volcanic vent or 2) the solidified products of such eruptions.
marsh
a wetland characterized by herbaceous plants.
mid-ocean ridge
ridge near the center of an ocean basin, where new oceanic crust is created by sea-floor spreading.
mountain
a topographic prominence larger than a hill.
mountain chain
a belt of geologically related mountains. (use for mountain range)
mudbank
used for mudbanks along rivers or on the sea floor.
mudflat
used for tidal flats underlain by mud.
ocean
used for saltwater bodies larger than seas or lakes.
outcrop
a natural or artificial bedrock exposure.
peninsula
a narrow landmass surrounded by water on three sides but connected to the mainland.
plateau
an elevated, generally flat landform.
pond
a body of water surrounded by land and smaller than a lake.
reef
used for 1) shallow-water biotic reefs such as coral reefs, 2) biotic reefs preserved in the geologic record, and 3) rocky outcrops on the sea floor that create a hazard to navigation.
barrier reef
coral reef separated from the shore by a lagoon.
fringing reef
coral reef attached to the shore.
ridge
used generically for a narrow, prominent elevation in any physiographic setting.
ripple mark
a small, undulating bedform created by waves, currents, or wind.
river
a stream that is larger than a creek.
river bank
the land adjacent to a river. (use for riverbank)
river basin
the land that contributes water and sediment to a river; term generally used for very large drainage systems.
river channel
the area between the banks of a river, where flow is generally confined except during flood stage.
floodplain
the low-lying areas adjacent to a river channel, which may become inundated during flood stage. (use for flood plain)
river mouth
the point at which a river discharges into an ocean, sea, or lake.
sand deposit
unconsolidated sand laid down by wind or water.
sand wave
a relatively large, undulating bedform created by currents.
sandbar
used for sandy ridges formed in rivers (by currents) and in nearshore marine environments (by wave action).
seabed
the floor of a sea or ocean.
seamount
an undersea mountain, generally formed through volcanism.
sea stack
an exposed erosional remnant lying offshore.
shoal
a relatively shallow area in the bed of a sea, lake, or river.
shore
the boundary between an ocean, sea, or lake and the adjacent dry land. (use for shoreline)
sinkhole
a topographic depression created by collapse of the ground above a cave or cavern.
slough
generally used for a muddy channel or swampy depression near the coast.
sound
a relatively long ocean inlet separating an island from the mainland or connecting two larger bodies of water; wider than a strait.
strait
a relatively narrow waterway between two larger bodies of water.
stream
a body of flowing water, regardless of size.
submarine canyon
an underwater canyon crossing the continental shelf and slope.
swamp
a wetland characterized by woody plants.
terrace
bench-like landforms within river valleys or along the coast, often arranged in steps.
tidal flat
very gently sloping surface that is inundated at high tide.
tidal inlet
the narrow waterway between barrier islands that connects lagoon with open ocean.
trench
a narrow, steep-sided depression in subaerial or submarine topography.
trough
used for topographic depressions that are generally wider and more gently sloping than trenches.
valley
an elongate topographic low formed by fluvial erosion or tectonic action.
volcano
a crustal vent from which lava and other igneous products are erupted; term usually applied to a mountain created by repeated eruptions.
watershed
the land that contributes water and sediment to a stream; term may be used for drainage systems of any scale.
wetland
a low-lying area saturated with water.
geological features
features associated with a particular geologic phenomenon, origin, or interpretation.
accretionary wedge
deformed and metamorphosed sedimentary rocks that were scraped off the subducting plate and accreted to the overriding plate at a convergent plate boundary. (use for accretionary prism)
anticline
an upward fold with older strata in the core.
diapir
a subsurface structure in which buoyant, ductile earth materials pierce the overlying, more brittle earth materials.
salt diapir
a subsurface structure created by the upward movement of a buoyant, ductile salt mass.
earthquake zone
an area of recurrent seismic activity.
fault
a rock fracture with displacement.
formation
a rock unit sufficiently distinct to be mapped and correlated over a wide area. (use for geologic formation)
fossil
the remains or traces of organisms preserved in rocks.
fracture
a mechanical break in rock, with or without displacement.
glacial till
poorly sorted rock debris deposited by a glacier. (use for till)
moraine
landforms underlain by glacial till, including terminal and recessional moraines (transverse ridges), lateral moraines (longitudinal ridges), and ground moraines (irregular hummocks).
hotspot
a persistent igneous source in the mantle, often expressed at the surface as a string of volcanoes formed sequentially as a lithospheric plate moves over the stationary hotspot. (use for hot spot)
intrusion
a subsurface igneous body that invades older rock.
joint
a rock fracture without displacement; often found in parallel sets.
karst
terrain underlain by soluble bedrock such as limestone or marble and characterized by caves, caverns, sinkholes, and disappearing streams.
landslide
used for slope failures including slumps, rockfalls, earth flows, and debris flows ("mudslides"), among others.
magma chamber
a reservoir of molten rock within the crust.
oil and gas seep
site where hydrocarbons escape to the surface under low pressure, following rock fractures or permeable strata. (use for petroleum seep)
ophiolite
uplifted and exposed oceanic crust and upper mantle.
outwash plain
a gently sloping surface underlain by sediment deposited by glacial meltwater.
petroleum deposit
subsurface accumulations of oil and oil sands.
plate
a large, rigid slab of crust and upper mantle, which moves slowly over the ductile asthenosphere. (use for lithospheric plate, tectonic plate)
plate boundary
used for three types of boundaries between lithospheric plates: divergent boundaries, where lithosphere is created; convergent boundaries, where lithosphere is destroyed; and transform boundaries, where lithospheric plates slide past one another. (use for plate margin)
rift
a deep crustal fissure.
rift zone
a zone of fissures associated with 1) crustal extension or 2) strike-slip faulting.
sediment
unconsolidated weathering products that have been eroded, transported, and deposited in another location.
soil
a mixture of weathering products and organic material that can support plant life.
permafrost
permanently frozen soil and regolith.
spreading center
a divergent plate boundary, where new lithosphere is created; typically expressed at the surface as a mid-ocean ridge.
subduction zone
a convergent plate boundary, where one lithospheric plate dives beneath another and is consumed in the asthenosphere; typically expressed at the surface as a deep-sea trench.
syncline
a downward fold with younger strata in the core.
unconformity
a surface of erosion or nondeposition between strata, representing a significant gap in the geologic record.
biological features
used for distinctive biological phenomena or communities of organisms.
beach zone communities
used for communities of organisms characteristic of beach habitats in the supratidal, intertidal, and shallow subtidal zones.
intertidal beach communities
used for communities of organisms characteristic of beach habitats between normal high and low tides.
subtidal beach communities
used for organisms characteristic of beach habitats below normal low tides.
benthos
used for communities of organisms characteristic of sea-floor habitats. (use for benthic communities)
coral reef communities
used for communities of organisms characteristic of coral reef habitats.
feeding furrows
sea-floor grooves or trenches created by bottom-feeding whales.
forest
a terrestrial community dominated by trees.
kelp forest
shallow marine community dominated by kelp.
peat bog
a wetland characterized by a thick accumulation of peat (partially decayed vegetation, commonly moss).
prairie
used for grassland plains and savannas.
tundra
used for arctic tundra and alpine tundra: treeless areas characterized by low temperatures and/or short growing seasons.
nekton and plankton
communities of organisms that populate the water column.
geographical features
used for areas or sites with recognized administrative, cultural, or natural significance.
archaeological site
a site preserving evidence of past human activity.
shipwreck
the resting place of a sunken ship and its contents.
dump site
disposal site for refuse or industrial waste; includes both terrestrial and submarine sites.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
offshore zone in which a designated nation has exclusive rights to marine resources.
First Nations lands
lands traditionally belonging to the indigenous peoples of the Americas and Pacific islands.
marine protected area (MPA)
designated marine area with administrative restrictions on human activity.
National Estuarine Research Reserve
designated estuarine area protected under a U.S. federal program administered by NOAA.
National Historical Park
designated U.S. historical site managed by the National Park Service.
National Lakeshore
designated U.S. lakeshore managed by the National Park Service.
National Marine Sanctuary
designated marine area protected under a U.S. federal program administered by NOAA.
National Park
designated U.S. conservation area managed by the National Park Service.
National Recreation Area
designated U.S. recreation area managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or U.S. Forest Service.
National Seashore
designated U.S. seashore managed by the National Park Service.
National Wildlife Refuge
designated wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
state park
designated conservation or recreation area managed by a U.S. state agency.
Superfund site
hazardous waste site identified, monitored, and remediated under a program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
territorial waters
the offshore area within 12 nautical miles of a nation's coastline.
construction
used for civil engineering works and other engineered structures.
breakwater/shoreline stabilization structure
a structure that protects the shoreline against erosion by deflecting or dissipating wave energy.
bridge
a transportation structure that spans a physical obstacle such as a river.
canal
an artificial waterway for irrigation or transportation.
dam
a barrier constructed to impound water for domestic use, irrigation, flood control, or hydroelectric power generation.
jetty
a structure extending into a body of water that deflects or confines currents.
levee
an embankment constructed along a river or standing body of water to protect adjacent lowlands from flooding. (use for dike)
oil well
a boring for extracting petroleum.
reservoir
an artificial lake.
water well
a boring or excavation for extracting groundwater.
hot topics
environment
used for issues related to the interactions of humans or other organisms with their physical and biological surroundings.
carbon cycle
used to describe the complex global exchange of carbon through the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere (primarily oceans), and geosphere (primarily sediments and sedimentary rocks). (use for carbon cycling)
climate change
used for past or present climate change, whatever the cause (e.g., pleistocene glacial and interglacial cycles; recent anthropomorphic global warming).
anthropogenic climate change
used for human activities that contribute to climate change, such as releasing greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels.
global warming
used for climate change related to recent increases in atmospheric "greenhouse gases" such as carbon dioxide and methane. (use for greenhouse effect)
ocean acidification
changes in ocean chemistry related to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
sea level change
changes in sea level controlled by fluctuations in the volume of the polar ice caps; associated issues include the effects on coastlines and shallow benthic habitats. (use for sea-level change)
sedimentary record of climate change
used for scientific studies that evaluate paleoclimatic changes recorded in the sedimentary record (e.g., varved lake sediments).
conservation
management activities to preserve selected natural environments and associated organisms.
species conservation
conservation activities focused on specific organisms, such as designated endangered species.
ecological change
used for environmental changes, both physical and biological, that affect the composition and structure of a community of living organisms. (use for ecological processes)
ecosystem restoration
used for a wide range of activities (advocacy, planning, and execution) with the goal of returning ecosystems to their natural states.
invasive species
used for non-native species that have a deleterious impact on native species or human health and activities.
fragile ecosystems
used for ecosystems that are sensitive to environmental changes.
coral reefs
aquatic biogenic structures supporting a complex community of organisms with distinct roles in relation to the whole: framework builders (corals), along with binders, bafflers, dwellers, and destroyers. (use for reef ecosystems)
polar ecosystems
used for high-latitude ecosystems threatened by warming and pollution. (use for tundra ecosystems)
seagrass beds
submerged flowering plants in marine and estuarine waters that support complex communities but are sensitive to changes in hydrology, sedimentation, water quality, and human activity.
seep and vent ecosystems
used for chemosynthetic ecosystems that develop around water seeps and hydrothermal vents, often in the deep sea.
wetlands
seasonally or permanently saturated terrestrial areas including swamps, marshes, and bogs, which support complex communities but are sensitive to changes in hydrology, sedimentation, water quality, and human activity. (use for wetland ecosystems)
habitats
environments discussed in relation to the organisms they support.
human impacts on habitats
the effects of human activities on habitats.
hydrologic characteristics of habitats
used for all types of currents and waves -- in oceans, lakes, and streams -- and their effects on aquatic habitats.
mercury cycle
the movement of mercury -- a component of some cumulative neurotoxins -- through biological, geological, hydrological, and atmospheric systems. (use for mercury contamination)
nutrient cycle
the cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds through biological, geological, hydrological, and atmospheric systems. (use for nutrient cycling)
physical and chemical characteristics of habitats
used for substrate character and other physical or chemical controls on habitats.
spatial characteristics of habitats
used for habitat fragmentation, habitat connectivity, and other spatial controls on habitats.
water cycle
the movement of water through the subsurface, terrestrial water bodies, ocean, atmosphere, and organisms.
weather effects on habitats
weather and changes in weather as they relate to ecosystems.
pollution
used for the effects of toxins and other pollutants on ecosystems. (use for contamination and pollution)
bacterial digestion of pollutants
the removal and stabilization of pollutants from an ecosystem by bacteria. (use for biodegradation)
concentration of pollutants in the food chain
the incremental accumulation of pollutants in a food chain, with toxins becoming concentrated at the higher levels. (use for bioaccumulation, bioconcentration)
heavy metal pollution
the behavior and effects of heavy metals on natural environments. (use for toxic trace element contamination)
impacts of pollution on public health
the sources and characteristics of environmental pollutants as they relate to human health. (use for environmental health (human))
inorganic pollutants
the behavior and effects of inorganic pollutants on natural environments.
nutrient pollution
the behavior, sources, and effects of excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds on natural environments.
organic pollutants
the interaction, sources, and impacts of anthropogenic organic chemicals on natural environments.
pollutants in runoff
the effects of agricultural, industrial, and other pollutants in drainage.
radioactive waste
the sources, movement, and impacts of radioactive pollutants on the environment. (use for toxic radionuclide contamination)
sediment-pollutant interaction
the trapping, transport, and release of pollutants as they interact with sediments.
sedimentary environments
the behavior and properties of sediment as they relate to natural environments.
animal-sediment interactions
the interaction with and transport of sediments by animals.
compaction and subsidence
used for subsidence triggered by localized sediment accumulation and subsequent compaction, as in large river deltas. (use for subsidence)
dredging
the effects of dredging -- usually to improve navigation channels or extract aggregates -- on the natural sedimentary environments.
plant-sediment interactions
the interaction with and trapping of sediments by vegetation.
pollutant-sediment interactions
the interaction of pollutants with sedimentary systems, including transport, deposition, and erosion. (use for contaminant transport)
sediment deposition
the effects of deposition on natural sedimentary environments. (use for sedimentation)
sediment erosion
the effects of erosion on natural sedimentary environments. (use for erosion, scour)
sediment transport
the movement of sediments from source to sink.
sedimentary waste disposal
the effects of anthropogenic waste products on natural sedimentary environments.
waste disposal
used for the environmental consequences of anthropogenic waste disposal. (use for waste treatment and disposal)
dredge spoils
used for the environmental consequences of dredging and redepositing sediments from one sea-floor site to another.
radioactive waste disposal
used for the effects and behavior of anthropogenic radioactive waste.
sewage outfalls
the effects, transport, and fate of sewage released into bodies of water.
wastewater injection wells
used for the environmental effects of injecting wastewater in deep wells.
hazards and disasters
used for natural hazards, the risks they pose to society, and the destructive events that may result. (use for hazards)
biological disasters
an event harming organisms that are directly or indirectly important to humans.
fish kills
pollution or anoxic events causing the death of large numbers of fish.
red tide
refers to seawater turned red by a bloom of dinoflagellates, which release a toxic substance that is incorporated in the tissue of filter-feeding invertebrates and can thus pass up the food chain. (use for algal blooms)
disaster preparation
preemptive efforts to minimize the effects of an impending disaster.
disaster reconstruction
efforts to rebuild and redevelop an area devastated by a disaster.
disaster recovery
efforts to ameliorate the effects of a disaster after it occurs.
disaster response
efforts to minimize the effects of a disaster while or immediately after it occurs.
earthquakes
the sudden release of crustal stress resulting in seismic shaking.
earthquake effects
the impacts of earthquakes on humans and infrastructure.
earthquake prediction
efforts to specify, within limits, the timing, magnitude, and location of the "next" earthquake; not to be confused with earthquake forecasting, which is a more general probabilistic assessment.
erosion
the natural removal of earth materials from any part of the Earth's surface (subaerial or submarine), with an emphasis on the consequences for humans and infrastructure.
beach erosion
used specifically for beach erosion that impacts human activities and infrastructure.
coastal erosion
the erosion of the area adjacent to an ocean, sea, or lake, often resulting in shoreline changes.
erosion control and restoration
human intervention to retard or reverse the loss of earth materials from a specific location; in the coastal setting these activities include beach nourishment, wetland restoration, and the construction erosion-control structures.
long term erosion
the natural removal of earth materials from a specific location over a period of time longer than a single event. (use for long-term erosion)
storm erosion
the loss of earth materials due to flooding, winds, or other transport by an extreme storm such as a hurricane, particularly in coastal areas.
catastrophic storm erosion
the loss of earth materials due to a single extreme storm, typically in coastal areas.
chronic storm erosion
the loss of earth materials due to a series of storms, (possibly over a prolonged period of time), particularly in coastal areas.
fires
the loss of life, property, or natural resources due to fire.
floods
the loss of life, property, or natural resources due to a body of water exceeding its "usual" bounds.
hazard mitigation
efforts to lessen or eliminate the potential impact of a natural hazard before a disaster occurs. (use for hazard preparedness)
mitigation policies
public policies and regulations to lessen or eliminate the potential impact of a natural hazard before a disaster occurs.
structural mitigation
civil engineering measures taken to lessen or eliminate the potential impact of a natural hazard before a disaster occurs.
impacts of agricultural activities
the effects of agriculture, including alteration or destruction of natural ecosystems, nutrient and pesticide runoff, and changes to soil and aquatic chemistry.
landslides
the mass movement of surficial materials or rock resulting in the loss of life, property, or natural resources.
coastal landslides
slope failures along a coast, often triggered by storm events.
submarine landslides
underwater slope failures, often triggered by rapid accumulation of sediments ("overpressure") or seismic shaking.
meteorite impact
used for the local and/or global consequences of a meteorite striking the Earth's surface. (use for impact cratering)
spills
unintended release of a toxin or pollutant during transport, processing, or use. (use for industrial pollution)
chemical spills
unintended release of a toxic chemicals during processing, transport, or use.
petroleum spills
unintended release of petroleum during extraction, processing, or transport.
storm disasters
a storm that causes loss of life, property, or natural resources.
hurricanes and typhoons
tropical cyclonic storms. (use for hurricanes)
tsunami events
disastrous, flooding waves produced by submarine earthquakes or landslides.
volcanic eruptions
used for eruptions of lava or ash that cause loss of life, property, or natural resources; disrupt economic activity or transportation; or cause secondary lahars (volcanic mudflows). (use for volcanic activity)
resources
used for natural resources exploited by humans.
biological resources
used for organisms and biological products exploited by humans.
cultural resources
used for cultural sites, objects, traditions, or ideas.
historical resources
locations of historical importance treated as culturally valuable.
energy resources
used for all renewable and non-renewable sources of energy exploited by humans.
gas hydrate resources
used for an ice-like combination of methane gas and water, believed to be a potential energy source.
gas hydrate deposits
used for specific gas hydrate deposits identified on the sea floor or beneath permafrost.
natural gas resources
methane or other naturally occurring gaseous hydrocarbons extracted and processed for use as fuel.
natural gas reservoirs
locations at which natural gas occurs.
geologic setting of natural gas reservoirs
the geologic conditions associated with natural gas deposits.
petroleum resources
naturally occurring liquid hydrocarbons extracted and processed for use as fuel. (use for oil resources)
impacts of petroleum extraction
the potential environmental hazards, such as pollution and spills, associated with petroleum extraction.
petroleum reservoirs
sites in the Earth's crust from which oil may be extracted for refinement.
geologic setting of petroleum reservoirs
the geologic conditions that facilitate the migration of petroleum from source rocks to reservoir rocks.
locations of petroleum reservoirs
used for studies of discovered ("proved") or suspected ("unproved") petroleum reserves.
food resources
issues related to food obtained from aquatic sources.
aquaculture
used for the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants for human consumption; also known as aquafarming.
commercial fishing
issues related to fishing for profit. (use for commercial fishery resources)
subsistence fishing
issues related to fishing for personal consuption. (use for subsistence fishery resources)
mineral resources
naturally occurring inorganic rocks and minerals, both metallic and nonmetallic, that are mined and processed for human use; do not use this term for combustible organic rocks such as coal.
recreational resources
used for topics related to the socioeconomics and environmental impacts of recreational activities and tourism in ocean and coastal areas. (use for recreation)
resource management
includes fisheries management; management of coastal and marine water resources, mineral resources, and energy resources; conservation of coastal and marine species and ecosystems; and associated laws and regulations. (use for natural resource management)
resource management law
used for laws and regulations related to coastal and marine resource management (typically sector-specific).
sediment resources
used for the economic and environmental aspects of aggregate mining in coastal and marine environments. (use for nonmetallic mineral resources)
transportation resources
used for commercial and recreational transportation in ocean and coastal environments; includes topics related to the socioeconomics, regulation, and environmental impacts of transportation activities. (use for transportation)
shipping channels
designated routes in oceans, seas, bays, lakes, rivers, and canals for the movement of cargo by ships; includes topics related to the maintenance and environmental impacts of shipping channels.
water resources
water in the context of human use.
aquifers
topics related to groundwater-bearing earth materials and their exploitation: geological characteristics of aquifers; quality and quantity of groundwater available for human use; groundwater depletion and renewal.
aquifer geology
used for hydrogeology: the geological characteristics of groundwater-bearing earth materials.
aquifer hydrology
used for groundwater hydrology: the behavior, flow, and chemical properties of water in an aquifer.
control of groundwater resources
topics concerning the maintenance of a given quality or quantity of water for human consumption or other use. (use for water resource management)
effects of groundwater extraction
environmental effects of groundwater pumping, including ground subsidence and saltwater intrusion, among others.
saltwater intrusion
the influx of saltwater into coastal aquifers due to groundwater "overdrafts" caused by pumping that exceeds recharge.
water quality
used for topics related to the causes and impacts of water pollution; methods and standards for assessing water quality; and methods for maintaining or remediating water quality.
science and scientists
used for a variety of topics concerning the historical, philosophical, sociological, institutional, and political aspects of the scientific enterprise.
people of color in science
used for profiles and features highlighting the contributions of people of color to science.
science and public policy
the application of science to policy-making decisions and political activism.
scientific methodology
issues of scientific methodology: practical, theoretical, and philosophical.
women in science
used for profiles and features highlighting the contributions of women to science.
research method
data processing
using computers to manage, analyze, and convert data into usable forms. (use for data management)
field observation
scientific investigation of physical or biological features and processes in a natural setting. (use for field methods)
acoustic methods
measurement of sound propagation in a given medium (such as water) for ranging or acoustical studies.
multibeam echo sounder
acoustic technique for determining sea-floor depths in a wide swath centered below the instrument platform. (use for multi-beam echo sounder, multi-beam echosounder, multi-beam sonar, multibeam echosounder, multibeam sonar)
sidescan sonar
acoustic technique for producing oblique imagery of the sea floor. (use for side-scan sonar)
single-beam echo sounder
acoustic technique for determining sea-floor depth directly below the instrument platform. (use for fathometer, single beam echo sounder, single beam echosounder, single-beam echosounder)
biological observations
scientific investigation of organisms in a natural setting.
tracking
use of physical evidence (spoor) or monitoring devices to document the presence and movements of individual animals or groups of animals. (use for animal tracking)
trapping
capturing animals for a variety of scientific purposes: tagging and other field monitoring activities; laboratory study, etc. (use for capturing (animals))
chemical tracer studies
the introduction of an easily detected substance into a natural physical or biological system for the purpose of documenting its movement (or other changes) with time. (use for tracer study)
controlled burn experiments
prescribed burning of selected tracts of land to understand the behavior of wildfires or to preempt large wildfires. (use for controlled fires)
diving
used for all methods of direct underwater observation by humans.
electrical resistivity measurements
borehole measurements to characterize in situ earth materials and pore fluids by their resistance to the flow of electrical currents. (use for electrical resistivity logging)
electromagnetic conductivity measurements
used for shallow underground imaging techniques based on variations in the electrical conductance of earth materials. (use for electromagnetic surveying)
excavation
exposing underground earth materials and structures for inspection, typically by trenching. (use for trenching)
fossil collecting and description
the removal and documentation of fossils from any natural setting, typically for additional study in the laboratory. (use for specimen collecting)
gamma ray logging
measurements of natural gamma radiation emitted by the earth materials in a borehole. (use for gamma-ray logging)
geotechnical measurements
the use of standardized field tests to determine the engineering properties of earth materials.
Global Positioning System (GPS) observations
the use of satellite signals from the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a terrestrial receiver. (use for GPS measurement)
gravimetry
measurement of the gravitational field at specific locations, yielding data that can be analyzed for a variety of scientific purposes. (use for gravimeter measurement)
heat flow observations
measurement of the dissipation of internal heat at the Earth's surface.
hydraulic conductivity observations
measurements to quantify the ability of fluids to move through porous earth materials.
hydrologic observations
used broadly for observations of atmospheric, surface, and subsurface water.
subsurface hydrologic observations
observations related to groundwater.
surface hydrologic observations
observations related to flowing or standing bodies of water.
river flow observations
used for all observations of river discharge, including but not limited to streamgaging.
streamgaging
monitoring stream discharge at a specific point in the channel. (use for stream gaging, stream gauging, stream-gage measurement)
magnetic field observations
measurement of the Earth's magnetic field at a specific location; often used to detect magnetic anomalies that reflect the nature and distribution of subsurface earth materials. (use for magnetometer measurement, magnetometry)
mapping
in addition to traditional cartographic methods, this term is used for all field activities that document spatial relationships of scientific interest.
geologic mapping
the collection and synthesis of field observations to determine the distribution, structure, and age of earth materials in a study area.
topographic mapping
used for traditional cartographic methods that document the distribution and elevation of geographic and hydrographic features (and usually cultural features and administrative boundaries).
meteorological observations
field observations of weather conditions, including but not limited to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and precipitation.
cloud cover observations
field observation of clouds in the atmosphere, from above or below.
evapotranspiration measurements
field measurement of the transfer of water from soil by evaporation and from plants by transpiration.
humidity measurements
field observations of atmospheric humaidity.
precipitation measurements
used for measurements of all forms of precipitation: rain, snow, sleet, and others.
storm tracking
field observation by remote sensing and other means of the movement of a storm.
wind observations
field observation of wind speed and direction.
oceanographic observations
used for field observations related to all aspects of oceanography: physical, chemical, and biological; may also be used for field studies of freshwater bodies that use oceanographic techniques.
ocean current observations
field observations of oceanic currents.
flow tracer studies
qualitative assessment of fluid flow over time by introducing a chemical, dye, or other tracer and tracking its movement.
sedimentation studies
used for sediment budget and other studies of specific regions or bodies of water.
seepage studies
used for studies of submarine groundwater discharge and other forms of fluid exchange between a body of water and the surrounding substrate (sea floor, lake floor, etc.).
tidal measurements
used for all types of tidal observations, including but not limited to tide-gage measurements.
water level measurements
used for measurements related to long-term events (e.g., sea-level rise) or transient events (e.g., tides or storm surge).
wave observations
used for quantitative or qualitative wave observations of any type.
photography
limited to photography for scientific purposes.
photomicroscopy
refers to photographic techniques that employ optical microscopes; not to be confused with microphotography (techniques that produce microfilm and microfiche).
altimetry
used for all instruments and techniques that determine altitude, either directly or remotely, including (but not limited to) pressure altimeters, radar altimeters, GPS, and LIDAR. (use for altimetry measurement)
geodetic measurements
field studies of the Earth's shape, dimensions, and gravitational field.
remote sensing
generally used for the acquisition of images or other data from aircraft or satellites; also used for ground-based systems for collecting data at a distance.
aerial and satellite photography
used for vertical or oblique photography of the Earth taken from aircraft or satellites; do not use for air-to-air photography.
infrared aerial and satellite photography
aerial or satellite photography employing film or sensors sensitive to the near-infrared spectrum; not to be confused with "thermal imaging" that employs the far-infrared spectrum.
orthophotography
aerial photography corrected for distortion ("orthorectified") to create an image with uniform scale.
aerial video
moving images collected from an aircraft.
atmospheric temperature measurement
the indirect measurement of atmospheric temperature, generally from satellites.
passive microwave measurement
measurement of the microwaves radiated or reflected by the Earth, used to characterize surface features. (use for microwave imaging)
radar
imaging techniques that employ radio waves to measure the reflectance of distant targets. (use for radar imaging)
radiometry
the measurement of radiant energy from a remote location.
reflectance measurement
measurement of the reflectance of a surface, generally from satellites.
SAR
technique that uses radio pulses from a moving platform (typically an aircraft or satellite) to create high-resolution images of a distant target. (use for synthetic aperture radar)
scatterometry
the use of a device that emits microwaves and measures the energy reflected by the distant target ("backscatter").
sea surface temperature measurement
the indirect measurement of the surface temperature of the ocean or other large bodies of water, generally from satellites.
sampling
used for the collection of physical samples and also images that document physical conditions.
biochemical sampling
used for the collection of samples for biochemical analysis.
drilling and coring
used for all methods of creating boreholes and retrieving either intact samples (cores) or disturbed samples (cuttings).
box coring
technique for obtaining shallow, four-sided, relatively undisturbed samples of sea-floor sediments.
gravity coring
technique using a long, weighted cylindrical pipe to obtain sediment cores from the sea floor.
hand augering
technique for obtaining disturbed soil samples from successive depth intervals.
piston coring
technique using a gravity corer with an internal piston that enables the recovery of longer, less disturbed sediment cores from the sea floor.
push coring
technique using a short cylindrical tube that is gently pushed by mechanical means into sea-floor sediments.
rotary drilling
includes all types of rotary drilling, regardless of bit type (fixed cutter, roller cone, or auger) or sampling method (cores or cuttings).
well logging
monitoring the sequence of earth materials in a borehole by examining cuttings from successive depth intervals.
vibracoring
technique in which the coring tube is advanced into sea floor or wetland sediments by gravity and vibration.
surface sampling
used for all methods of sampling exposed earth materials, water, or ice; do not use for samples obtained from boreholes.
dredge sampling
obtaining sediment or rock samples by dragging a scoop or clamshell device over the sea floor and retrieving the spoils.
grab sampling
obtaining sediment or rock samples by dropping a clamshell device onto the sea floor.
photographic sampling
photographic documentation of objects or features such as the sea floor, often collected systematically along a trackline to "ground truth" co-located data.
water sampling
the collection of natural waters for later analysis.
seismic methods
the study of naturally occurring or artificially induced seismic waves, generally for one of two purposes: 1) understanding the nature and cause of seismic activity (e.g., earthquakes), or 2) understanding the properties of the earth materials through which the seismic waves have passed.
seismic reflection profiling
technique for determining the composition and structure of subsurface earth materials based on the transmission and reflection of artificially induced seismic waves; in practice, the seismic waves are generated and received at a one location (in marine geophysical studies, a single ship). (use for reflection seismology, seismic reflection method)
seismic refraction profiling
technique for determining the composition and structure of subsurface earth materials based on the transmission and refraction of naturally occurring or artificially induced seismic waves; in practice, the seismic waves are generated and received at different locations (in marine geophysical studies, two or more ships). (use for refraction seismology, seismic refraction method)
seismographic measurements
the measurement of transient ground motion attributed to seismic waves.
stratigraphic characterization and correlation
field observation of sedimentary rock strata at two or more locations, with the goal of establishing their physical continuity or temporal equivalence.
underwater vehicle observations
direct observation of underwater features using submersibles (manned or remotely operated).
video observation
video documentation of natural features and processes. (use for video monitoring)
interviewing
used for the systematic gathering and recording, by any means, of the observations, recollections, and views of individuals or groups.
laboratory methods
used for all laboratory procedures in support of scientific investigations.
biological laboratory methods
used for all laboratory procedures in support of biological investigations.
culturing
growth of microorganisms in a controlled setting for observation or experimentation. (use for culturing (specimens))
disease research
used for all laboratory procedures in support of research on human, animal, or plant diseases.
fossil analysis
used for all laboratory procedures in support of paleontological research.
DNA probe analysis
laboratory procedure for determining the order of nucleotides in a gene. (use for DNA sequencing)
biological production research
laboratory procedures to determine the capacity of selected organisms to produce specific biochemical compounds.
toxin research
used for all laboratory procedures in support of research on the production, fate, and effects of environmental toxins.
chemical analysis
used for all laboratory analyses in support of geochemical or biochemical research.
mercury analysis
used for the laboratory analysis of mercury compounds, especially in support of research on mercury cycling in biochemical systems.
stable isotope analysis
laboratory analysis to determine the ratio of stable isotopes of an element in a given sample, generally in support of research on geochemical or biochemical fractionation processes. (use for light stable isotope analysis)
carbonate analysis
used for laboratory analyses of inorganic carbon compounds as found in natural waters or organisms.
nutrient measurements
generally used for analyses of nitrogen- or phosphate-bearing compounds as found in natural waters or ecological systems.
salt analysis
generally used for laboratory measurements of salinity in natural waters.
gas chromatography
technique for analyzing volatile organic compounds in a solid or liquid sample.
geologic dating
used for all methods of dating geologic (or archaeologic) materials, including both absolute dating methods (yielding numerical ages) relative dating methods (for determining the relative order of geologic events).
absolute dating (geologic)
used for all geologic dating methods yielding numerical ages
dendrochronological analysis
absolute dating method based on counting the annual growth rings in a sampled tree trunk; often used to date climatological events that affected the rate of growth in the tree. (use for tree ring analysis)
radiometric dating
used for all absolute dating techniques based on analyzing the abundance of a radioactive isotope and its decay products in a given geologic (or archaeologic) sample.
beryllium-7 dating
absolute dating technique based on the decay of beryllium-7 to lithium-7; a short-range method for dating sediment samples.
carbon-14 dating
absolute dating technique based on the decay of carbon-14 to nitrogen-14; a short-range method for dating organic samples. (use for carbon-14 analysis, radiocarbon dating)
cesium-137 dating
absolute dating technique based on the decay of cesium-137 to barium-137; a short-range method for dating sediment samples that postdate atmospheric nuclear testing.
uranium-series dating
a family of absolute dating techniques based on the decay of uranium isotopes through a series of steps to stable end products; includes long-range methods for dating rock samples (uranium-lead dating) and short-range methods for dating sediment samples (uranium-thorium dating and lead-210 dating).
potassium-argon dating
absolute dating technique based on the decay of potassium-40 to argon-40; a long-range method for dating rock samples. (use for potassium-argon analysis)
tritium-helium dating
absolute dating technique based on the decay of tritium (hydrogen-3) to helium-3; a short-range method for dating water samples. (use for tritium analysis)
relative dating (geologic)
includes all methods for determining the relative order of geologic events
biostratigraphic correlation
the use of fossil assemblages to establish the relative ages of sedimentary strata in different locations (i.e., where direct superposition cannot be observed); not to be confused with lithostratigraphic correlation (the matching of sedimentary strata based solely on rock type).
palynological correlation
the use of pollen assemblages to establish the relative ages of sedimentary strata in different locations.
geotechnical experiments
laboratory tests to determine the mechanical behavior or engineering properties of earth materials; used for measurements of p-wave velocity, s-wave velocity, shear strength, magnetic susceptibility, and other tests.
microscopy
used for all observations requiring a magnification.
optical microscopy
used for observations with an optical microscope.
thin section analysis
traditional method of examining very thin, transparent samples of rock (typically 30 microns thick) under a polarizing optical microscope to determine mineralogy and texture.
scanning electron microscopy
method employing a scanning electron microscope (sem), which illuminates very small targets with electron beams rather than light in order to produce images of the highest possible resolution.
sediment analysis
laboratory analysis of sediment samples in support of a variety of geological and biological research topics (sedimentology, stratigraphy, benthic habitats, and others).
density and porosity measurements
laboratory measurements of sediment density and porosity.
gamma ray attenuation porosity evaluator (GRAPE)
a technique for estimating sample bulk density and porosity; the sample is irradiated with gamma rays, and the number of rays which pass through while maintaining their original energy ("unattenuated") is relative to the density (porosity is calculated using several other experimental variables).
modeling
development of a quantitative or qualitative (conceptual) approximation of a real-world system or phenomenon.
analytical modeling
development of a quantitative model that approximates the behavior of a complex natural system in response to variable input; includes quantitative forecasting or hindcasting models. (use for mathematical modeling)
conceptual modeling
development of a qualitative model that approximates the behavior of a complex natural system.
economic modeling
development of a model that approximates economic trends or conditions in relation to a given set of variables.
graphical modeling
used broadly for all aspects of the creation, geometric processing, animation, and visualization of graphical models; term not limited to probabilistic graphical modeling.
numerical modeling
modeling that uses numerical inputs for variables to simulate the behavior of a real-world system; use this term for finite element modeling and computer simulation. (use for mathematical simulation, numerical simulation)
scale modeling
development of a physical analog for a typically much larger natural system.
statistical modeling
used for regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time series analysis, kriging, and other statistical techniques for analyzing scientific data. (use for statistical analysis)
biota
eukaryotes
animals
chordates invertebrates
fungi
lichens
plants protists
prokaryotes
Archaea ["ancient bacteria"] bacteria
viruses
discipline
anthropology
the study of humans, past and present; used for both physical anthropology and cultural anthropology.
archaeology
the study of past humans, primarily through the recovery and analysis of material artifacts. (use for archeology)
art
used for the visual arts in the context of scientific endeavor.
scientific illustration
the arts employed to communicate accurate visual representations of scientific or technical subject matter. (use for technical illustration)
astronomy
the study of celestial objects; the application of physical science to study the nature and evolution of the universe.
atmospheric sciences
the study of the composition, structure, dynamics, and evolution of the atmosphere; includes meteorology, climatology, and related disciplines.
atmospheric chemistry
the study of chemical processes within the atmosphere.
atmospheric physics
the study of physical processes within the atmosphere.
climatology
the study of climate, as opposed to weather.
paleoclimatology
the study of climate change on a geologic time scale. (use for palaeoclimatology)
meteorology
the study of weather, as opposed to climate.
biology
the study of living organisms. (use for life sciences)
anatomy
the study of the structure of living organisms. (use for anatomy and physiology)
botany
the study of plants.
cytology
the study of cell processes and structures. (use for cell biology)
dendrochronology
analysis of the annual growth rings in a tree trunk to 1) date the tree and 2) establish a chronology of climatic events that affected the tree's rate of growth. (use for tree ring anlaysis)
developmental biology
the study of differentiation, growth, and morphogenesis in living organisms.
ecology
the study of the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment.
ethology
the study of animal behavior in response to outside stimuli. (use for behavioral biology)
evolutionary biology
the study of the genetic, ecological, and biogeographic processes contributing to the diversity of life, past and present.
fisheries biology
biological studies applied to the management of fisheries resources.
functional morphology
the study of the relationship between form and function in organisms, often from an evolutionary perspective. (use for morphology (biological))
genetics
the study of heredity and variability in organisms as dictated by genes.
marine biology
the study of organisms in oceanic environments; typically used in conjunction other terms describing traditional biological disciplines.
microbiology
the study of organisms too small to be seen with the unaided eye.
molecular biology
the study of biological processes at the molecular level; overlaps in scope with genetics and biochemistry.
paleobiology
the study of ancient life and evolutionary history from a biological perspective.
palynology
the study and identification of pollen and spores, often in service of paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
parasitology
the study of parasites and their relationships to their hosts.
pathology
the study of diseases and their effects.
phycology
the study of algae
physiology
the study of the function of living organisms. (use for anatomy and physiology)
systematics and taxonomy
the description and arrangement of organisms in a hierarchical classification.
toxicology
the study of toxic substances and their effects on organisms. (use for ecotoxicology)
wildlife biology
the study of wild animals and their habitats; often restricted to studies of terrestrial vertebrates
zoology
the study of animals.
invertebrate zoology
the study of invertebrate animals
vertebrate zoology
the study of vertebrate animals
ichthyology
the study of fish.
chemistry
the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter.
biochemistry
the study of chemical processes within organisms
environmental chemistry
the study of chemical processes as they relate to environmental systems.
computer science
used here for the development of computer applications applied to scientific problems.
economics
used primarily for economic studies as they relate to scientific and environmental issues.
education
used primarily for education about scientific and environmental issues.
science education
used primarily for educational resources for the sciences, such as K-8 curriculum plans.
engineering
the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design or develop structures or processes. (use for engineering sciences)
chemical engineering
the application of chemical principles for practical purposes, such as the development of useful chemical compounds or processes.
civil engineering
the application of engineering principles in the design and construction of buildings and public works.
computer engineering
the design and development of computer hardware and software.
electrical engineering
the design and development of electrical, electronic, and electromagnetic systems.
instrumentation engineering
the design and development of devices for gathering data.
mechanical engineering
the application of physics and materials science to the design and development of mechanical systems.
naval architecture
the design and development of vessels.
ocean engineering
the design and development of structures and systems operating in oceanic or coastal environments. (use for marine engineering)
geochemistry
the study of the chemical composition and genesis of earth materials.
bedrock geochemistry
the study of the chemical composition and genesis of earth materials within the lithospere.
biogeochemistry
the study of chemical cycling between the biosphere and lithosphere (or other earth "spheres").
groundwater geochemistry
the study of the chemical composition and evolution of groundwater. (use for water chemistry)
isotope geochemistry
used for both stable isotope geochemistry (to understand chemical fractionation in earth materials and processes) and radiogenic isotope geochemistry (to determine the ages and origins of earth materials).
sediment geochemistry
the study of the chemical composition and cycling of sedimentary systems.
geochronology
the science of determining the absolute ages of earth materials
geography
the study of physical and cultural features on the Earth's surface.
cartography
the study and practice of making maps.
cultural geography
geographical studies of human populations, cultural phenomena, and cultural products. (use for human geography)
demography
geographical studies of human populations.
environmental geography
geographical studies of the interaction of humans with their environment
geographic information systems (GIS)
geographic subdiscipline that employs computer systems to manage, analyze, and display spatial information. (use for geographic information science)
physical geography
the study of landforms and other physical features of the Earth's surface.
biogeography
the study of species and ecosystem distributions
paleogeography
the study of geographical features in the historical or geological past. (use for palaeogeography)
geology
the study of the Earth's structure, composition, past and present processes, and history.
economic geology
studies of the origin and distribution of metallic, nonmetallic, and energy resources.
petroleum geology
studies of the origin and distribution of oil and gas resources.
engineering geology
the application of geologic principles to problems in civil engineering.
environmental geology
the application of geologic principles to environmental problems.
geomorphology
the study of landforms and their evolution.
historical geology
the study of earth history, generally focusing on changes at the Earth's surface.
hydrogeology
the study of geologic controls on groundwater distribution and movement.
marine geology
used for geological and related studies of ocean basins and margins. (use for geological oceanography)
mineralogy
the study of the chemistry, crystalline structure, and physical properties of minerals.
paleontology
the study of ancient life and evolutionary history from a geological perspective. (use for palaeontology)
micropaleontology
the study of ancient microorganisms. (use for micropalaeontology)
paleoecology
the study of the interactions of ancient organisms with each other and their environment, as revealed by fossil remains and associated sedimentary rocks. (use for palaeoecology)
petrology
the study of the composition, structure, and origin of rocks.
planetary geology
the application of geologic principles to the study of planetary bodies.
sedimentology
the study of sediments, sedimentary processes, and the origin of sedimentary rocks.
soil science
the study of soils and soil-forming processes (use for pedology, soil sciences)
stratigraphy
the study of layered sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
biostratigraphy
the study of fossil assemblages to determine the relative ages of sedimentary rock strata.
structural geology
the study of the structural features of rock units, usually to establish their deformational histories.
tectonics
the study of the nature and origin of the broad structural features of the Earth's crust.
terrane tectonics
tectonic studies of large crustal blocks that are distinct in character and origin from surrounding crustal blocks.
volcanology
the study of volcanoes and their eruptive products.
geophysics
physics applied to the study of the Earth.
geodesy
the study of Earth's shape, dimensions, and gravitational field. (use for geodetics)
geomagnetism
the study of the behavior and variation of Earth's magnetic field.
paleomagnetism
the study of the Earth's magnetic field in the historical or geological past, as recorded in archeological or earth materials. (use for palaeomagnetism)
marine geophysics
used for geophysical and related studies of ocean basins and margins.
seismology
the study of earthquakes and the transmission of seismic waves.
tectonophysics
physics applied to the study of tectonic deformation.
history
the study of the past, particularly in relation to humans.
history of science
historical studies on scientists and the evolution of scientific knowledge and practice.
history of geology
historical studies on geologists and the evolution of geological knowledge and practice.
history of geophysics
historical studies on geophysicists and the evolution of geophysical knowledge and practice.
hydrology
the study of the distribution, movement, and quality of natural waters.
information science
the collection, classification, storage, and retrieval of information resources. (use for information sciences)
mathematics
the study of numbers and their properties and relations.
museum studies
the management and curation of museum collections.
oceanography
the study of the oceans. (use for ocean sciences)
biological oceanography
the study of oceanographic factors controlling the abundance and distribution of marine organisms.
chemical oceanography
the study of the chemistry of oceans, often with a focus on chemical cycling.
fisheries oceanography
oceanographic studies applied to the management of fisheries resources.
paleoceanography
the study of the history of oceans, including physical, chemical, biological, and geological conditions. (use for palaeoceanography)
physical oceanography
the study of physical conditions and processes in the oceans.
physics
studies of the nature and properties of matter and energy.
acoustics
the study of the properties and behavior of sound.
electromagnetism
the study of electricity and magnetism.
hydrodynamics
the study of water and other fluids in motion.
optics
the study of the properties and behavior of light.
thermodynamics
the study of thermal energy and its relation to mechanical energy.
planetary sciences
includes the application of physics, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and geological sciences to planets and other objects within the solar system.
sociology
the study of the origins, development, and character of social behavior and institutions.