ScienceJuly 14, 2026

flux

/flʌks/

Definition

The rate of flow or transfer of a substance, such as carbon, energy, or water, through a specific area or across a boundary.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'fluxus,' meaning 'a flowing.' It entered Middle English through Old French to describe continuous change or the act of flowing.

In the news

The term is used here to describe the movement of carbon, water, and energy between the land and the atmosphere. Scientists use 'flux towers' to measure these movements to better understand climate change.

Summer training helps student sharpen climate change research goals

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The Pennsylvania State University

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