Glossary

An adiabatic change of state is a thermodynamic process in which a system is transformed from one state to another without exchanging heat with its surroundings. It is therefore a thermally perfectly insulated system.

Aggregates are admixtures to potting soil (e.g., sand, loam, clay, crushed bricks, lime, algae lime, primary rock powder).

The adjective anthropogenic denotes changes in the environment caused by humans.

Acids are substances that cause a pH value of less than 7 in an aqueous solution. The pH of bases is between 7 and 14. Acids and bases usually react with one another in what is known as an acid-base reaction and can neutralise one another.

The atmosphere is the gaseous layer surrounding a celestial body.

Atmospheric deposition means the deposition of atmospheric air admixtures on natural and artificial surfaces.