Thermocline

Definition

The thermocline is a layer within large bodies of water where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth. It acts as a barrier that separates warmer surface waters from colder deep waters.

Analogy

Imagine the thermocline as a curtain dividing a swimming pool into two sections - one warm and one cold. The curtain represents the sharp temperature gradient, preventing mixing between the layers.

Related terms

El Niño: El Niño can affect the position and strength of the thermocline in the Pacific Ocean, leading to changes in oceanic conditions.

La Niña: La Niña can also influence the position and strength of the thermocline, affecting oceanic conditions differently than El Niño.

Upwelling: Upwelling refers to the process where cold, nutrient-rich waters from deeper parts of an ocean rise to replace warmer surface waters. It often occurs near coastlines and supports productive ecosystems.