Scientific Glossary

Glossary of terms and abbreviations relevant to the International Seabed Authority and the documents it produces

Please note that this is a constantly evolving document.

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Title
DEA	DISCOL Experimental Area.
Deep-Sea Research Vehicle	Manned research submersible used for sampling and observation of the deep sea. Abbreviated to DSRV. Examples include Alvin(USA), Nautile (France), Mir I & Mir II (Russia) and Shinkai 6500 (Japan). Compare to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles andRemotely Operated Vehicles.
Demersal	Organisms living at or near the bottom of a body of water. Synonymous with epibenthic.
Denature	To change the structure of a molecule, disrupting its biological activity.
Denaturing	Something that denatures an organic molecule.
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis	A method for separating DNA fragments using their variable motility on a gradient of denaturing conditions. A method for separatingspecies using their DNA. Abbreviated to DGGE.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid	Molecules found in most organisms that carry genetic information necessary for the organization and functioning of most living cells. Also responsible for inherited characteristics. Abbreviated to DNA. Compare to Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).
Deposit Feeder	Synonymous with detritovore.
Deposit Feeding	The action of feeding on detritus by either ingesting material unselectively and excreting unusable components or by selectively ingesting discrete particles.
Detritivore	Organism that feeds on detritus. Synonymous with Deposit Feeder.
Detritus	Dead organic matter from both plant and animal origin.
DGGE	Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis.
Diel	Involving a 24-hour period that includes a day and the adjoining night.
Direct Impacts	Impacts caused as a direct result of an action that is identified by the absence of an existing structure with an evident change in theenvironment and with future consequences of the action. Compare to cumulative impacts.
DISCOL	Disturbance and Recolonization (German project in Pacific Ocean).
Diurnal	Processes which are completed within approximately 24 hours and recur every 24 hours.
DNA	Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
DO	Dissolved Oxygen
DOC	Dissolved Organic Carbon.
DOD	Department of Ocean Development (India)
DOM	Dissolved Organic Matter.
DOMES	Deep Ocean Mining Environmental Study (United States)
DORD	Deep Ocean Resources Development Co., Ltd. (Japan). One of the groups granted a contract for the exploration of polymetallic nodules. Other contractors listed here.
Dormant Sulphides	Synonymous with inactive sulphides.
DSRV	Deep-Sea Research Vehicle.