The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, filled with an incredible variety of creatures and ecosystems. One of the key terms used to describe the different zones of the ocean is “bathyal.” In this article, we’ll explore the definition and meaning of bathyal, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Bathyal refers to the zone of the ocean that lies between the continental shelf and the abyssal plain. This zone typically extends from depths of around 200 to 2,000 meters (660 to 6,600 feet). The term “bathyal” comes from the Greek word “bathos,” which means “depth.”
Origin
The term “bathyal” was first used in the late 19th century by oceanographers and marine biologists. It was coined to describe the zone of the ocean that lies between the shallow waters of the continental shelf and the deep abyssal plain.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bathyal refers to “of, relating to, or being the biogeographic region of the ocean floor that extends from the sublittoral zone to the abyssal zone and is characterized by decreasing temperature and increasing pressure with increasing depth.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bathyal as “relating to or denoting the zone of the sea extending from the edge of the continental shelf to the abyssal zone.”
Associations
The bathyal zone is associated with a range of unique and fascinating ecosystems. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including deep-sea fish, squid, and other creatures that have adapted to the low light and high pressure conditions of this zone.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bathyal include deep-sea, abyssal, and mesopelagic.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bathyal include littoral (relating to the shallow waters near the shore) and pelagic (relating to the open ocean).
The same root words
The word “bathyal” shares the same root word as other terms used to describe different zones of the ocean, including “benthic” (relating to the ocean floor), “abyssal” (relating to the deep ocean), and “pelagic” (relating to the open ocean).
Example Sentences
- The bathyal zone is home to a wide range of fascinating creatures, including bioluminescent fish and giant squid.
- Oceanographers study the bathyal zone to better understand the complex interactions between different marine ecosystems.
- The bathyal zone is characterized by low light levels and high pressure, which create unique challenges for marine life.