stratification

(noun)

the process leading to the formation or deposition of layers

Related Terms

Examples of stratification in the following topics:

  • Abiotic Factors Influencing Aquatic Biomes

    • Abiotic factors that influence aquatic biomes include light availability, depth, stratification, temperature, currents, and tides.
    • In freshwater systems, stratification due to differences in density is perhaps the most critical abiotic factor and is related to the energy aspects of light.

  • Marine Biomes

    • Within the oceanic zone there is thermal stratification where warm and cold waters mix because of ocean currents.

  • Freshwater Biomes

    • In the summer, thermal stratification of lakes and ponds occurs when the upper layer of water is warmed by the sun, but does not mix with deeper, cooler water.