upwelling

noun

up·​well·​ing ˌəp-ˈwe-liŋ 

: the process or an instance of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward

especially : the process of upward movement to the ocean surface of deeper cold usually nutrient-rich waters especially along some shores due to the offshore movement of surface waters (as from the action of winds and the Coriolis force)

Examples of upwelling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent observations suggest complex atmospheric circulation patterns on Uranus during this period, with the data most sensitive to the methane distribution indicating a downwelling in the polar regions and upwelling in other areas, according to the NASA statement. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Recently, the blooms have been linked to ocean upwellings, where water loaded with rich nutrients from the deeper ocean is pushed closer to shore, sunlight stimulating the blooms. —Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2025

This upwelling of worry came just as the observable fundamentals began to look more encouraging. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025

The question is timely, given the unmistakable upwelling of investor enthusiasm toward equities in recent weeks and a reignited impulse by traders to grab for the raciest assets. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upwelling

• bookselling
• compelling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• indwelling
• labelling
• marvelling
• misspelling
• modelling

Kids Definition

upwelling

noun

up·​well·​ing ˌəp-ˈwel-iŋ 

: the process or an example of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward

especially : the process of movement of deeper cooler layers of ocean water that are often rich in nourishing substances to the surface