GLOSSARY

Biochemical parameters:
Biological and chemical variables that the glider measures during a mission, such as oxygen, chlorophyll, and turbidity.

Chlorophyll:
The pigment in green plants and certain bacteria that is involved in photosynthesis.

Course:
Direction.

Cyclone:
An atmospheric disturbance that makes for strong winds.

Glider:
A small autonomous submarine used for observing sea and ocean waters. These devices use wings and changes in flotation to achieve a propulsion system based on gliding, which uses very little energy.

GPS:
The acronym for Global Positioning System, which uses satellites to find a person or an object’s exact location in the world, with an accuracy of two to three meters.

High-pressure area:
An atmospheric disturbance that usually begins in clear weather.

Marine current:
Moving waters in a sea or an ocean.

Marine Protected Area:
A marine area specially designated for the protection and maintenance of its biological diversity and its natural and cultural resources.

Navigation bay:
The part of the glider’s processor in charge of the navigation device.

Photosynthesis:
A process involved in the development of green plants and algae. These organisms use their chlorophyll to trap the energy they receive from sunlight, together with carbon dioxide from the air and the water. Photosynthesis enables plants to make their own food. In addition, plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

Phytoplankton:
Marine plankton, made up primarily of plant organisms such as microscopic algae.

Physical parameters:
Physical variables that the glider measures during a mission, such as salinity, temperature, and water conductivity.

Plankton:
Tiny animal and plant organisms that drift in the water.

Remora:
A species of fish, also known as suckerfish, which attaches itself to floating objects and large marine animals. In ancient times, people believed that remoras had the power to stop ships.

Rudder:
The part used to steer a boat (or in this case, a glider) in a given direction.

Salinity:
The amount of salt in seawater.

Science bay:
The part of a glider’s processor in charge of the scientific sensors.

Sensor:
A device that detects something external (temperature, pressure, etc.) and transmits that information.

Weather:
The state of the atmosphere, in terms of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, etc.