Thermocline - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A thermocline is a distinct layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth, separating warmer surface water from colder deep water. It affects marine life and ocean currents.
Definition:
A layer in a body of water where temperature changes rapidly with depth.
Synonyms:
thermal layer, temperature gradient, stratification
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
isothermal layer, uniform temperature
Common Collocations:
ocean thermocline, seasonal thermocline, deep thermocline
Derivatives:
thermoclinic, thermoclinal
Usage Tips:
Use "thermocline" to describe sharp temperature transitions in water bodies like oceans or lakes.
Common Phrases:
break the thermocline, below the thermocline, seasonal thermocline
Etymology:
From Greek "thermo-" (heat) + "klinein" (to slope), referring to a sloping temperature gradient.
Examples:
- 1. The thermocline separates warmer surface water from colder deep water.
- 2. Fish often gather near the thermocline for optimal temperatures.
- 3. Divers feel a sudden chill when passing through the thermocline.
- 4. The lake's thermocline shifts deeper in summer due to sunlight heating.