subsurface

[ suhb-sur-fuhs, suhb-sur- ]

adjective

1. below the surface, especially of a body of water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsurface¹

First recorded in 1770–80; sub- + surface

Example Sentences

“We knew that the liquid water being buried deep in the subsurface was one possible solution to the question of where Mars' ancient liquid surface water went.”

From Salon

“A lot of rocks that are in Australia can produce hydrogen. We have a lot of old granites that are now close to the subsurface and can generate hydrogen through radiogenic processes.”

From BBC

Previous experiments never studied the organic compounds from Enceladus in hydrothermal conditions such as those believed to exist on the moon's its subsurface ocean.

From Salon

Putting all that data into a variety of atmospheric and subsurface models, the scientists pieced together a new story about what happened on Kīlauea during the string of events in 2018.

From Science Daily

If the subsurface magma level fell below the water table, scientists reasoned, groundwater flowing in from above it could spark a steam-driven eruption.

From Science Magazine