A thermostad is a homogeneous layer of oceanic waters in terms of temperature, it is defined as a relative minimum of the vertical temperature gradient.[1] The term was coined in 1966 by R. Carlton Seitz, at the time at the Chesapeake Bay Institute of Johns Hopkins University.[2] He proposed it as in opposition to a thermocline, in which the thermal gradient is large. The ending "stad" is from the Greek word στάδην meaning "in an upright position", from the root ἵστημι meaning to stand.[3][4]

The suffix "-stad" is now widely used in oceanography.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Tsuchiya, Mizuki (1986). "Thermostads and circulation in the upper layer of the Atlantic Ocean". Progress in Oceanography. 16 (4): 235–267. Bibcode:1986PrOce..16..235T. doi:10.1016/0079-6611(86)90040-6.
  2. ^ Michael S. McCartney (1977). "Subantarctic Mode Water" (PDF). In: A Voyage of Discovery: George Deacon 70th Anniversary Volume, M. V. Angel, editor, Supplement to Deep-Sea Research, Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp. 103-119.: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link) See Publications - Dr. Michael S. McCartney.
  3. ^ R. Carlton Seitz (Dec 25, 1966). "Thermostad, the Antonym of Thermocline". Journal of Marine Research. 25: 203.
  4. ^ "στάδην". Morphologia Graeca. en-academic.com.
  5. ^ "Raymond Carlton Seitz Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who". 24-7 Press Release Newswire. Mar 5, 2019.