Glossary

Term	Description
EV	Abbreviation for Essential Variable. EVs are defined as a minimal set of complimentary measurements capable of capturing important dimensions of change in a given facet of the Earth system. Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) are a few examples. However, Essential Geodiversity Variables (EGV) and Essential Agricultural Variables (EAV) are also noteworthy. (overview from NASA)
ECV	Abbreviation for Essential Climate Variable. ECVs are a set of key climate-related metrics that give critical information for understanding and monitoring the Earth's climate system. ECVs provide a standardized basis for comparing data across different regions and time periods. They were defined by Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) (overview from GCOS)
EOV	Abbreviation for Essential Ocean Variables. EOVs are defined by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). EOVs are focused on the physics of the ocean system, the biogeochemistry, and the biology and ecosystems.(overview from GOOS)
EBV	Abbreviation for Essential Biodiversity Variable. EBVs are described as a minimum collection of complimentary metrics capable of capturing main features of biodiversity change. EBVs are classified into six classes that cover the three realms (Marine/coastal, Terrestrial, and Freshwater). (overview from GEOBON)
eEOV	Abbreviation for ecosystem Essential Ocean Variable. eEOVs where developed in the framework of the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS). eEOVs are biological or ecological quantities acquired from field observations that considerably contribute to assessments of Southern Ocean ecosystems. eEOVs should be collectable at appropriate regional and temporal scales and are helpful to the extent that they contribute to direct trend estimate and/or attribution, as well as the construction of ecological (statistical or simulation) models to assist assessments. (overview from Contrable et al. 2016)
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