adjective
- existing, formed, or taking place on or above the surface of the earth; exposed to air rather than water
Usage: geological; technical
Examples
- The subaerial portions of the volcano were covered in hardened lava.
- Subaerial erosion shaped the canyon over millions of years.
- The geologist studied subaerial rock formations exposed to weathering.
- Subaerial environments differ greatly from underwater ecosystems.
- Wind and rain cause subaerial weathering of exposed cliff faces.
- The coral reef’s subaerial sections are only visible at low tide.