OpenNESS Glossary beginning with U
U
- Uncertainty search for term
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An expression of the degree to which a condition or trend (e.g. of an ecosystem) is unknown. Uncertainty can result from lack of information or from disagreement about what is known or even knowable. It may have many types of sources, from quantifiable errors in the data to ambiguously defined terminology or uncertain projections of human behaviour. Uncertainty can therefore be represented by quantitative measures (e.g. a range of values calculated by various models) or by qualitative statements (e.g. reflecting the judgment of a team of experts).
- Urban search for term
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Environmental condition linked to high population density, extent of land transformation, or a large energy flow from surrounding area.
- Urban Systems search for term
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The total of functional interlinkages within an area designated as “urban” (see definition of “urban”).
- Urbanisation search for term
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An increase in the proportion of the population living in urban areas or systems. See 'Urban systems'.