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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.

thermocline

/ˈθɜrməˌklaɪn/ /ˈθɜːməʊklaɪn/

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.

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