maximum depth

[noun]

In aquatic sciences, the deepest part of a specified area, such as a lake or gulf. Depth is an important factor in aquatic systems because it influences the water body’s overall temperature, water volume, and its ability to sustain plant and animal life. Shallow ponds, for example, will be warmer overall than deeper ponds in the same geographical region because they have a greater surface area/depth ratio, and so the available sunlight warms the water to a greater extent.