eddy
/ˈɛdi/
Definition
A circular movement of air or water, often acting as a small vortex, which in atmospheric science creates turbulence that must be measured to track carbon and energy exchange.
Etymology
The word is of uncertain origin, likely related to the Old Norse 'iða' meaning a whirlpool. It entered English to describe a circular current of water and was later adopted by scientists to describe similar vortex-like patterns in airflow.
In the news
In this article, 'eddy' refers to the turbulent, swirling motions of air that transport carbon and heat between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. Scientists use 'eddy-covariance' techniques to measure these tiny movements to calculate how ecosystems contribute to climate change.
Summer training helps student sharpen climate change research goals
Read the full article ↗The Pennsylvania State University