Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
sapropel

sapropel

9.9
Dark soft mud that forms at the bottom of lakes or seas with many dead plants and animals
  • noun
  • /sæˈproʊpɛl/
  • Specialized
: sapropel
  • The sediment core contains a distinct band of sapropel indicating a period of high organic productivity.

Examples

  • Scientists analyzed the sapropel to learn more about ancient climate changes.

  • The lake's bottom is covered in sapropel.

  • Thick layers of sapropel are often found in the Black Sea seabed.

  • Can you identify the layers of sapropel in this sediment core?

  • Scientists analyzed the sapropel to learn more about ancient climate changes.

  • The sediment core contains a distinct band of sapropel indicating a period of high organic productivity.

  • Thick layers of sapropel are often found in the Black Sea seabed.

Synonyms

sludge
vssapropel
27 4.8

A thick, wet, muddy substance that comes from dirty water

is a natural organic rich bottom deposit in lakes or oceans not waste

Surface Forms

sapropel singular
sapropels plural

Etymology

The word sapropel comes from the Greek parts sapro- meaning 'rotten' and pelos meaning 'mud'. So sapropel is 'rotten mud' and refers to the dark, organic-rich mud that builds up at the bottom of lakes and seas.