mesophotic

English

Etymology

From meso- +‎ photic.

Adjective

mesophotic (not comparable)

1. Describing seawater at a depth such that some light is present, but not enough to sustain photosynthesis.
   • 2013, Michael A. Lang, Research and Discoveries: The Revolution of Science Through Scuba:

     This is largely because the beds occur mostly in mesophotic habitats (~30–120 m depth) that are difficult to adequately access with standard scuba. As pointed out by Bridge et al. (2010), information on biotic and abiotic aspects of mesophotic habitats remains extremely scarce due to logistical and technological restrictions, particularly when compared with shallow-water habitats.

Derived terms

• submesophotic