23
bathyal zone
baroclinic flow if in the ocean the vertical density distribution varies from place
to place, the isobaric surfaces are no more everywhere parallel to the sea surface; this in contrast to the barotropic flow. The horizontal pressure gradient in
the water now depends on depth, and the geostrophic balance gives a baroclinic
flow that changes with depth, according to the so-called thermal wind relation.
barophile able to live optimally at high hydrostatic pressures.
barotolerant able to tolerate high hydrostatic pressures, although growing better at normal pressures.
barotropic flow the isobaric surfaces are parallel to the sea surface if the density of
the water is constant, or when the vertical density distribution in the water
is everywhere the same. This situation is called barotropic, and the flow that
in such a situation is derived from the geostrophic balance is independent of
depth.
barrier island long, narrow, sandy island situated above high tide and parallel to
the shore, usually with dunes and vegetation areas. Also a detached portion
of a barrier beach between two inlets. ~coast.
barrier reef ~reef.
basal metabolism the rate of energy expenditure of an organism at rest,
expressed per unit of weight. Measured by calorimetry or by measuring oxygen uptake or carbon dioxide production.
basalt a fine-grained volcanic rock dominated by dark-colored minerals, consisting of plagioclase feldspars (more than 50 %) and ferromagnesian silicates. The typical rock of oceanic crust, generated at mid-ocean ridges and rifts.
~volcanism and ~Iayer 1, layer 2, etc.
base-exchange capacity (in clay) clay minerals have ion-exchange properties with respect to a number of cations in solution. The extent of these properties can
be characterized by the base-exchange capacity. This factor is determined by
having all exchange sites filled by Na+,followed by a replacement with NH4 +.
The amount of Na+ thus obtained is a measure [in mEq (100 g dry material)-l]
for the base-exchange capacity.
baseline (1) the state of an ecosystem before disturbed by human activity; (2)
~coastline, legal aspects.
bathyal zone ~zonation.
bathyal zone
baroclinic flow if in the ocean the vertical density distribution varies from place
to place, the isobaric surfaces are no more everywhere parallel to the sea surface; this in contrast to the barotropic flow. The horizontal pressure gradient in
the water now depends on depth, and the geostrophic balance gives a baroclinic
flow that changes with depth, according to the so-called thermal wind relation.
barophile able to live optimally at high hydrostatic pressures.
barotolerant able to tolerate high hydrostatic pressures, although growing better at normal pressures.
barotropic flow the isobaric surfaces are parallel to the sea surface if the density of
the water is constant, or when the vertical density distribution in the water
is everywhere the same. This situation is called barotropic, and the flow that
in such a situation is derived from the geostrophic balance is independent of
depth.
barrier island long, narrow, sandy island situated above high tide and parallel to
the shore, usually with dunes and vegetation areas. Also a detached portion
of a barrier beach between two inlets. ~coast.
barrier reef ~reef.
basal metabolism the rate of energy expenditure of an organism at rest,
expressed per unit of weight. Measured by calorimetry or by measuring oxygen uptake or carbon dioxide production.
basalt a fine-grained volcanic rock dominated by dark-colored minerals, consisting of plagioclase feldspars (more than 50 %) and ferromagnesian silicates. The typical rock of oceanic crust, generated at mid-ocean ridges and rifts.
~volcanism and ~Iayer 1, layer 2, etc.
base-exchange capacity (in clay) clay minerals have ion-exchange properties with respect to a number of cations in solution. The extent of these properties can
be characterized by the base-exchange capacity. This factor is determined by
having all exchange sites filled by Na+,followed by a replacement with NH4 +.
The amount of Na+ thus obtained is a measure [in mEq (100 g dry material)-l]
for the base-exchange capacity.
baseline (1) the state of an ecosystem before disturbed by human activity; (2)
~coastline, legal aspects.
bathyal zone ~zonation.