After a whale dies, it may float up to the ocean’s surface to be scavenged by seabirds and sharks. Eventually, though, the carcass starts slowly sinking, and once the body reaches the ocean floor, it’s known as a whale fall. This is part...
plankowner n.— «All three were members of the commissioning crew—“plankowners,” in Navy parlance—who worked together on the ship’s surface-to-air missile systems.» —“Former crew members take part in Kitty Hawk’s final...
sausage boom n.— «The absorbent pads and a double sausage boom skim what fuel oil contamination finds its way to the surface.» —“Cleanup OK may be near” by Bradford L. Miner Worcester Telegram &...
smearing n. a climbing technique in which the soles of the shoes are used flat against the surface being climbed. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)