Lysocline

Origin

Ancient Greek λύσις ("loosening, breaking loose") + -cline

Full definition of lysocline

Noun

1. The depth in the ocean below which solubility of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) increases dramatically.
• The causes of CaCO₃ dissolution above the lysocline are subject to debate and have been attributed to (i) dissolution in zooplankton guts; (ii) dissolution in microenvironments where bacterial oxidation of organic matter enhances this process; and (iii) dissolution of more soluble forms of CaCO₃, including pteropods and high-magnesium calcite.