parameterisation
/pəˌræmɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
The use of simplified mathematical approximations to represent complex, small-scale physical processes that are too small or intricate to be directly simulated in a larger climate model.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'para-' (beside) and 'metron' (measure), combined with the suffix '-ise' and the noun-forming '-ation.' It evolved in scientific fields to describe the act of defining a system by assigning fixed values or simplified formulas to its variables.
In the news
In the article, the authors explain that climate models use outdated parameterisations to estimate deep ocean turbulence, which results in the models underestimating the actual amount of mixing occurring in the ocean. Updating these estimations is presented as a necessary step to improve the accuracy of global climate predictions.
Tiny Underwater Waves in the Ocean Can Affect the Climate Thousands of Kilometres Away
Read the full article ↗ZME Science