1. adj. [Geology]

Pertaining to the environment of deposition and the organisms of the ocean between depths of 200 m [656 ft], the edge of the continental shelf, and 2,000 m [6,560 ft]. The bathyal environment is intermediate between the neritic environment and the abyss.

See related terms: abyssal,  benthic,  depositional environment,  littoral,  neritic,  shelf