upwelling
upwelling Lexical Profile
upwelling Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An oceanographic process in which deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises toward the ocean surface to replace warmer surface water pushed away by winds.
"Coastal upwelling along the Pacific coast supports some of the most productive marine fisheries in the world."
An upward flow or surge of liquid, gas, magma, or other matter from beneath a surface.
"Geologists attributed the volcanic chain to a massive upwelling of molten rock from the Earth's mantle."
A sudden, strong rising or manifestation of an emotion, thought, or collective sentiment.
"She felt a sudden upwelling of gratitude toward the neighbors who had helped rebuild her home."
• adjective
Rising, surging, or flowing upward from a lower source or depth.
"The submersible encountered strong upwelling currents near the hydrothermal vents."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 19th century as a compound of the adverb 'up' and the gerund of the verb 'well', which derives from Old English 'wiellan' (to boil, bubble, or gush forth).