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

Instead of searching for existing sources of hot subsurface water, they can create their own reservoirs by fracturing dry rocks underground and injecting them with water from above.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I suspect the subsurface movement of magma caused severe earthquake activity,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With layers of clay and bedrock of chalk, the subsurface is too soft to drill a bore tunnel, said Per Goltermann, a professor in concrete and structures at the Technical University of Denmark.

Read more on BBC

In a study published in The Planetary Science Journal, University of North Dakota astronomer Caleb Strong explained that their research revealed Miranda likely has a subsurface ocean, which Strong described as “weird.”

Read more on Salon

“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.”

Read more on Salon