Glossary

Microorganisms, also called microbes, are microscopic creatures that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These include, for example, bacteria, microalgae and many fungi.

In steep terrain in mountains, landslides can occur in the case of poorly consolidated materials such as soil material, boulders and rubble due to the influence of precipitation events. The material “flows” down the valley at high speed. This process is called a mudslide.

Mapping means the graphic representation of objects and facts of the earth’s surface on maps or in plans.

Mediterranean climate refers to the macro climate in the subtropical areas. Characteristic of this are mild winters with many hours of sunshine and hot, rainy summers. The areas characterised by a Mediterranean climate are located near the 40th degree latitude.

“Mulching” means covering the soil with organic material. This ensures that the soil is protected from physical effects such as drying out, erosion, excessive overheating, silting up, etc. Mulch covers have a temperature-regulating effect and serve as a nutrient depot. In many cases, mulching replaces deep soil cultivation.

Meteorology is the study of the physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. The people who work in this field are called meteorologists. They deal, for example, with weather forecasts and climatology.

Manure is a faecal mixture of faeces and urine.

Various materials are suitable for mulching. For beds and vegetable gardens green manure, straw, leaves and compost are best. Bark mulch, cocoa shells or inorganic materials such as lava or sand can be applied in shrub beds. Bark mulch, wood chips, leaves, etc. are a good choice for mulching trees and groves.

Methane (CH₄) is a flammable, colourless and odourless gas. The main component of natural gas is methane. It has a high greenhouse potential and thus makes a significant contribution to global warming.

A microclimate denotes local atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas. Often it differs only slightly, but sometimes there is a significant difference. The term can refer to areas as small as a few square meters (e.g., a garden bed or a den) or many square kilometres.