Corrective Action Report (CAR)(CAR)Used to identify and document problems with ARM systems, physical infrastructure, or instruments.
Correlated ShearAn output of the mesocyclone detection algorithm indicating a 3-dimensional shear region (i.e. vertically correlated) that is not symmetrical.
CorrelationIn investment terms, correlation is the extent to which the values of different types of investments move in tandem with one another in response to…
CorridorA strip of land through which one or more existing or potential facilities may be located.
CorrosionWear or dissolving away through chemical action as by rusting, or acids. The gradual decomposition or destruction of a material by chemical action, often…
cortexPrimary tissue of a stem or root, bounded externally by the epidermis and internally in the stem by the phloem, and in the root by the pericycle.
cos endsThe 12-base, single-strand, complementary extensions of bacteriophage lambda DNA.
Cosmic Microwave Backgroun (CMB)(CMB)Radiation filling the universe, remaining from the early, hot phase. (It is sometimes called the "primal glow.") Today this radiation has cooled to 2.
Cosmic RayHigh energy charged particles traveling through interstellar space at nearly the velocity of light. Most are produced in supernova explosions.
CosmidA synthetic plasmid which incorporates the cos ends, and one or more selectable markers such as an antibiotic resistance gene.
Cosmological Constant, ΛThe energy density of the smooth vacuum. Eisntein introduced it as a component of the universe but later withdrew it.
Cosmological PrincipleA principle invoked in cosmology that severely restricts the large variety of possible cosmological theories: On large scales, the Universe is homogeneous…
CosmologyThe study of the universe as a whole, of the contents, structure, and evolution of the universe from the beginning of time to the future.
Cost allocationProcedures used to allocate joint project costs to specific purposes in a multipurpose project.
Cost effectivenessEconomic efficiency, obtaining the best method for the least amount of money.
Cost-benefit analysisA quantitative evaluation of the costs which would be incurred versus the overall benefits to society of a proposed action.
cot curveA method to estimate the heterogeneity of sequence of a DNA preparation, based on the observation that the more homogenous the DNA, the more easily (and…
cotyledonLeaf-like structures at the first node of the seedling stem. In some dicotyledons, they represent a food storage organ for the germinating seedling.
CouleesSmall streams or dry streambeds. A deep gulch or ravine, usually dry in the summer.
CoulombA unit for the quantity of electricity transported in 1 second by a current of 1 ampere.
Counterflow Heat ExchangerA heat exchanger in which two fluids flow in opposite directions for transfer heat energy from one to the other.
CounterpartyIn any financial contract, the persons or institutions entering the contract on the opposite sides of the transaction are called the counterparties.
County Warning and Forecast AreaThe group of counties for which a National Weather Service Forecast Office is responsible for issuing warnings and weather forecasts.
County Warning AreaThe group of counties for which a National Weather Service Forecast Office is responsible for issuing warnings.
County Warning Forecast Area (CWFA)(CWFA)The area (aggregation of counties, or parishes and sometimes portions of counties, or parishes) served by a WFO for which weather forecast and warning…
Coupled Atmosphere-Ocean ModelSame as Coupled Model; in the context of climate modeling this usually refers to a numerical model which simulates both atmospheric and oceanic motions…
Coupled ModelIn the context of climate modeling this usually refers to a numerical model which simulates both atmospheric and oceanic motions and temperatures and…
Coupled to RadiationMatter, such as charged particles, that is strongly affected by radiation.
CoupletAdjacent maxima of radial velocities of opposite signs.
couplingThe phase state in which either two dominant or two recessive alleles of two different genes occur on the same chromosome. Synonym: cis configuration.
covalently-closed circular DNA(Abbreviation: ccc DNA). A DNA molecule in which the free ends have ligated to form a circle. The strands remain linked together even after denaturation.
CovenantsRules and restrictions governing the use of property.
coverNatural or manmade objects on the bottom of lakes, rivers, or impoundments, especially those that influence fish behavior.
Cover cropA crop that provides temporary protection for delicate seedlings and/or provides a canopy for seasonal soil protection and improvement between normal crop…
CrackTo beat a hand - typically a big hand. You hear this most often applied to pocket aces: "Third time tonight I've had pocket aces cracked."
crackingA reduction of molecular weight by breaking bonds, which may be done by thermal, catalytic, or hydrocracking.
craniosynostosisA birth defect whereby an infant's skull bones are already fused at birth. Because this defect may interfere with the ability of the brain to grow…
CraterA steep-sided, usually circular depression formed by either explosion or collapse at a volcanic vent.
CrawlspaceThe unoccupied, and usually unfinished and unconditioned space between the floor, foundation walls, and the slab or ground of a building.
CrazingA network pattern of fine cracks in concrete that do not penetrate much below the surface.
CreditCredit generally refers to the ability of a person or organization to borrow money, as well as the arrangements that are made for repaying the loan and…
Credit clearingA mechanism for settling mutual claims that shares among many parties the risk of a company failing to fulfill its contract.
Credit ratingYour credit rating is an independent statistical evaluation of your ability to repay debt based on your borrowing and repayment history.
Credit RiskA term used to describe the possibility of default on a loan by a borrower.
Credit ScoreA number, roughly between 300 and 800, that measures an individual's credit worthiness. The most well-known type of credit score is the FICOî score.
CreekA small stream of water which serves as the natural drainage course for a drainage basin of nominal, or small size.
Creep (rate)Relatively slow movement along a fault. It is sometimes called "seismic creep" to distinguish it from the slumping of rock or soil on slopes (which is…
CreosoteA liquid byproduct of wood combustion (or distillation) that condenses on the internal surfaces of vents and chimneys, which if not removed regularly, can…
Crepuscular RaysThe alternating bands of light and dark (rays and shadows) seen at the earth's surface when the sun shines through clouds.
CrescentsQuarter-moon-shaped (hence crescent) artifacts that may have been in the form of blades, scrapers, or projectile points.
CrestThe top surface of the dam. A roadway may be constructed across the crest to permit vehicular traffic or facilitate operation, maintenance, and…
Crest (Top) of DamThe elevation of the uppermost surface of a dam excluding any parapet walls, railings, etc.
Crest GageA gage used to obtain a record of flood crests at sites where recording gages are installed.
Crest Gate (Spillway Gate)A gate on the crest of a spillway to control the discharge or reservoir water level.
Crest LengthThe length of the top of a dam from left abutment to right abutment, including the length of spillway, powerhouse, navigation lock, fish pass, etc.
Crest length (length of dam)The distance, measured along the axis or centerline crest of the dam at the top level of the main body of the dam or of the roadway surface on the crest…
Crest of DamThe elevation of the uppermost surface of a dam excluding any parapet wall, railings, etc.
Crest structurePortion of spillway between the inlet channel and the chute, tunnel or conduit, which does not contain gates.
Crest WidthThe width or thickness of a dam at the level of the crest of the dam. In general, the term "thickness" is used for gravity and arch dams and "width" is…
Crest Width (Top thickness)The thickness or width of a dam at the level of the top of dam (excluding corbels or parapets).
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)A disease of humans hypothesized to be caused by a prion, or a small protein, which alters the structure of a normal brain protein, resulting in…
Crib DamA gravity dam built up of boxes, cribs, crossed timbers or gabions, filled with earth or rock.
CriptoTranscription factor expressed by pluripotent stem cells and early embryos.
Criteria air pollutantsSix common air pollutants for which National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have been established by the U.S.
Criteria pollutantA pollutant determined to be hazardous to human health and regulated under EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Critical Compression PressureThe highest possible pressure in a fuel-air mixture before spontaneous ignition occurs.
Critical DensityThe density of matter/energy that would just halt the expansion of the universe. The dividing line between a collapsing and an ever-expandinguniverse.
Critical DepthThe depth of flow when the Froude number equals one. The depth of flow at which the discharge is maximum for a given specific energy, or the depth at…
Critical dischargeThe maximum discharge for a given specific energy, or the discharge which will occur with minimum specific energy.
Critical FlowWhen the Froude number is equal to one, the flow is critical and surface waves remain stationary in the flow. Flow at critical depth.
Critical habitatThe specific area within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is listed as endangered or threatened.
Critical habitat unit (CHU)(CHU)Under the Endangered Species Act, critical habitat is defined as "the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species on which are found…
Critical heightThe maximum height at which a vertical or sloped bank of soil will stand unsupported under a given set of conditions.
Critical noticesPipeline issuances that provide information on conditions that affect natural gas scheduling or adversely affect scheduled gas flow.
Critical Rainfall Probability(Abbrev. CRP) - In hydrologic terms, the Probability that the actual precipitation during a rainfall event has exceeded or will exceed the flash flood…
Critical Rainfall Probability (CRP)(CRP)The probability that the actual precipitation during a rainfall event has exceeded or will exceed the flash flood guidance value.
Critical slopeThe maximum angle with the horizontal at which a sloped bank of soil or rock of given height will stand unsupported.
CRNCoronal Rain - In solar-terrestrial terms, material condensing in the corona and appearing to rain down into the chromosphere as observed at the solar…
CrochetIn solar-terrestrial terms, a sudden deviation in the sunlit geomagnetic field (H component; see geomagnetic elements) associated with large solar flare…
Crop irrigation requirementQuantity of water, exclusive of effective precipitation, that is needed for crop production. See irrigation requirement.
Crop Moisture IndexIn 1968, Palmer developed the index to assess short-term crop water conditions and needs across major crop-producing regions.
Crop residueOrganic residue remaining after the harvesting and processing of a crop.
Crop root zoneThe soil depth from which a mature crop extracts most of the water needed for evapotranspiration.
Crop rotationA pattern of changing the crops grown in a specific field from year to year in order to control pests and maintain soil fertility.
Crop subsidyPrice support paid by the government to farmers.
Crop treeUsually a conifer tree grown to provide wood products.