Glossary
G
An engine that uses a compressor to draw in air and compress it. Fuel is then added to the air and combusted in a combustor. Hot combustion gases exiting the engine turn a turbine which also turns the compressor. The engine's power output can be delivered from the compressor or turbine side of the engine.
The evaporative properties of gasoline. Gasoline vapor is a volatile organic compound. (See also Reid Vapor Pressure.)
An increase in the temperature of the Earth's troposphere. Global warming has occurred in the past as a result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted by computer models to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. For more information, go to ARB's climate change website.
The relative warming of a greenhouse gas over a specified period of time as compared to carbon dioxide (GWP of 1). GWP allows for the conversion of different greenhouse gas emissions into the same emissions unit, carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2E).
A score that ranks each vehicle's CO2-equivalent value on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the cleanest) relative to all other vehicles. All vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2009, must display this score on the Environmental Performance Label.
The processes and activities involved in the pickup, movement and delivery of goods (agricultural, consumer, industrial products and raw materials) from producers/points of origin to consumers/point of use or delivery. 'Goods movement' relies on a series of transportation, financial and information systems for this to occur, that involves an international, national, state, regional and local networks of producers and suppliers, carriers and representative agents from the private sector, the public sector (federal, state, regional and local governmental agencies) and the general public.
The warming effect of the Earth's atmosphere. Light energy from the sun which passes through the Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the Earth's surface and re-radiated into the atmosphere as heat energy. The heat energy is then trapped by the atmosphere, creating a situation similar to that which occurs in a car with its windows rolled up. A number of scientists believe that the emission of CO2 and other gases into the atmosphere may increase the greenhouse effect and contribute to global warming. (Climate Change: see ClimateChange.ca.gov gloss.)
Atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, ozone and water vapor that slow the passage of re-radiated heat through the Earth's atmosphere. (See also ClimateChange.ca.gov gloss.)