surface layer
A 'surface layer' refers to the outermost part of a material or medium, often exhibiting distinct properties due to its interaction with surrounding environments.
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Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)The outermost molecules of a liquid responsible for phenomena like surface tension.
Example
- Surface tension is caused by the surface layer of a liquid.
C1Ecology
(technical, academic)The topmost water layer that forms a boundary between the sea and the air.
Example
- The surface layer of the ocean is crucial for gas exchange with the atmosphere.
C1Oceanography
(technical, academic)The upper region of the ocean influenced by wind, waves, and buoyancy, where water mixing occurs.
Example
- The surface layer of the ocean is often turbulent due to wind stress.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "surface layer":