The layer of water in a thermally stratified lake between the epilimnion and the hypolimnion. The metalimnion is a narrow zone of rapid temperature change compared to the relatively small temperature changes within either the epilimnion or hypolimnion. See thermocline. See also epilimnion, hypolimnion. [Gk. meta, between + limne, lake.
The middle or transitional zone between the well mixed epilimnion and the colder hypolimnion layers in a stratified lake. This layer contains the thermocline, but is loosely defined depending on the shape of the temperature profile.
The layer of water in a lake between the epilimnion and hypolimnion in which the temperature, and thus water density, change rapidly over a short distance.
The middle layer of a thermally stratified lake or reservoir. In this layer there is a rapid decrease in temperature with depth. Also called thermocline.
The water layer of a stratified lake between the epilimnion and the hypolimnion characterized by a steep thermal gradient