A distinct layer in a body of water where salinity changes rapidly with depth, creating a density gradient that can inhibit vertical water mixing. Common in estuaries and areas where fresh and salt water meet.
From Greek 'halos' meaning 'salt' and 'klinein' meaning 'to slope.' The term was developed in the mid-20th century as oceanographers studied salinity stratification, particularly in coastal and estuarine environments.
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