Definitions
- Describing the area of the ocean floor that is permanently submerged, but not too deep. - Referring to the zone between the low tide mark and the edge of the continental shelf. - Talking about the region of the ocean where sunlight can penetrate and support photosynthesis.
- Referring to the area of the ocean that is close to the shore or coastline. - Describing the region of the ocean that is shallow enough for sunlight to reach the bottom. - Talking about the zone where waves break and the water is turbulent.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe regions of the ocean.
- 2Both words refer to areas that are relatively shallow.
- 3Both words relate to the proximity of the ocean to the shore or coastline.
- 4Both words are used to describe marine habitats.
- 5Both words are important for the survival of marine life.
What is the difference?
- 1Depth: The sublittoral zone is deeper than the nearshore zone.
- 2Distance: The nearshore zone is closer to the shore than the sublittoral zone.
- 3Light: The sublittoral zone receives less light than the nearshore zone.
- 4Wave action: The nearshore zone experiences more wave action than the sublittoral zone.
- 5Habitats: The sublittoral zone is home to a wider variety of marine life than the nearshore zone.
Remember this!
Sublittoral and nearshore are both words used to describe regions of the ocean. However, the difference between them lies in their depth, distance from the shore, amount of light received, wave action experienced, and the types of marine life they support. The sublittoral zone is deeper and less affected by wave action, but supports a wider variety of marine life. The nearshore zone is shallower and closer to the shore, with more wave action, but less diverse marine life.
