1. a pair of thin layers of sediment deposited in a lake or other body of water during a single year, typically consisting of a light layer formed in summer and a dark layer formed in winter
Usage: geological

Examples

• Scientists counted the varves in the lake sediment to determine the age of the deposit.
• Each varve represents one year of sedimentation in the ancient lake.
• The light-colored varve layer formed during the summer months when algae bloomed.
• Geologists use varve chronology to study past climate changes.
• The dark varve layer contains organic matter that settled during winter.
• Researchers examined thousands of varves to reconstruct the region’s climate history.