Bottom water is a term used in oceanography to describe the water that is found at the bottom of the ocean. It is an important concept in understanding the movement of water and the distribution of nutrients and other substances in the ocean.
Definitions
Bottom water is the water that is found at the bottom of the ocean, typically below a depth of 1000 meters. It is characterized by its low temperature, high salinity, and low oxygen content. Bottom water is also known as deep water or abyssal water.
Origin
Bottom water is formed through a process known as deep water formation. This occurs when surface water in polar regions becomes cold and dense enough to sink to the bottom of the ocean. As it sinks, it mixes with other water masses and eventually forms bottom water.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bottom water is “the water at the bottom of a body of water, especially the ocean, characterized by low temperature, high salinity, and low oxygen content.”
Merriam-Webster defines bottom water as “water at the bottom of a body of water, especially the ocean, that is typically very cold, salty, and low in oxygen.”
Associations
Bottom water is associated with the deep ocean and is an important part of the ocean’s circulation system. It plays a key role in transporting nutrients and other substances throughout the ocean and is also important for regulating the Earth’s climate.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bottom water include deep water, abyssal water, and benthic water.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bottom water include surface water and shallow water.
The same root words
The same root words as bottom water include abyss, benthic, and deep.
Example Sentences
- The researchers collected samples of bottom water to study the distribution of nutrients in the ocean.
- The temperature of the bottom water was much colder than the surface water.
- The circulation of bottom water plays a key role in regulating the Earth’s climate.