What Are Index Terms?
Index terms are standardized scientific categories that help AGU classify abstracts and sessions. They’re a core part of how the scientific program is organized, including how your abstract is matched to the best session.
These terms range from broad fields like "Climate Change" or "Volcanology" to more specific areas like "Hydrogeophysics" or "Atmospheric Chemistry." When submitting your abstract, you’ll choose the terms that best describe your research.
Why Do Index Terms Matter?
Sessions are often built around one or more index terms and help identify sessions that overlap multiple Sections, which can be especially useful for interdisciplinary research.
Tips for Using Index Terms Effectively
- Browse the full list of AGU index terms in the submission guidelines or author resources
- Use the terms to search for sessions before selecting one
- Choose multiple relevant terms in your abstract to cover all aspects of your work
- Be as specific as possible: avoid choosing only broad terms unless your work is broadly interdisciplinary
Accurate index terms can be the bridge that connects your research to the right reviewers, the right session, and the right community. Don’t skip this step—it can make all the difference.