1. adj. [Geology]

Describing the environment and conditions of the marine zone between low tide and the edge of the continental shelf, a depth of roughly 200 m [656 ft]. A neritic environment supports marine organisms, also described as neritic, that are capable of surviving in shallow water with moderate exposure to sunlight.

See related terms: abyssal,  bathyal,  benthic,  depositional environment,  littoral,  marine,  shelf