Glossary S

The Environmental Glossary. Letter S +++ Popular Articles: 'Soil', 'Standard', 'Sensor'

A Stressor indicator is a characteristic of the environment that is suspected to elicit a change in the state of an ecological resource, and they include both natural and human-induced stressors.

Deutsch: Baumstumpf / Español: Tocón / Português: Cepo / Français: Souche / Italiano: Ceppo

Stump in the environment context refers to the base of a tree that remains after it has been cut down or fallen. This part of the tree includes the lower portion of the trunk and the root system, and it plays a significant role in forest ecosystems and environmental management.

Deutsch: Unterteilung / Français: Subdivision

Subdivision in the environmental context refers to the division of a larger piece of land into smaller, individual lots or parcels. This process involves the planning and development of infrastructure and services necessary for the creation of residential, commercial, or industrial areas within the subdivided land. Subdivisions can have significant environmental implications, as they impact land use, habitat, and natural resources. Understanding the application areas, examples, and risks associated with subdivisions is essential for sustainable land development practices.

A subsidence is a dropping of the land surface as a result of Ground Water being pumped. Cracks and fissures can appear in the land. Subsidence is virtually an irreversible process.

Deutsch: Substanz / Español: Sustancia / Português: Substância / Français: Substance / Italiano: Sostanza /

In the environment industry, a substance refers to any material that has a distinct chemical composition and properties. Substances can be either natural or man-made, and can be found in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.

Deutsch: U-Bahn / Español: Metro / Português: Metrô / Français: Métro / Italiano: Metropolitana

Subway in the environmental context refers to an underground urban transit system designed to transport passengers efficiently across city areas, reducing traffic congestion and contributing to lower carbon emissions. Subways are an essential component of public transportation infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban mobility by offering an alternative to car travel, which helps decrease air pollution and fossil fuel consumption.

Deutsch: Schwefel / Español: Azufre / Português: Enxofre / Français: Soufre / Italiano: Zolfo
Sulfur or sulphur (see spelling differences) is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16. It is an abundant, multivalent non-metal. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with chemical formula S8. Elemental sulfur is a bright yellow crystalline solid when at room temperature.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a heavy, smelly gas which can be condensed into a clear liquid; used to make sulfuric acid, bleaching agents, preservatives and refrigerants; a major source of air pollution in industrial areas.

- Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) : A Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water.

Sulfur oxide (SOx) means that these molecules are formed during oxidation reactions involving sulphur and oxygen. E.g.: SO2 emissions are generated primarily from the smelting of ore and fuel combustion.

SOx refers to one or more of the following: