radiolarian ooze Deep-sea ooze in which at least 30% of the sediment consists of the siliceous radiolarian (Radiolaria) tests. Radiolarian-rich oozes occur in the equatorial regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans where the depth exceeds the carbonate-compensation depth (around 4500 m in the central Pacific). See also DIATOM OOZE.

radiolarian ooze A deep-sea ooze in which at least 30 per cent of the sediment consists of the siliceous radiolarian tests. Radiolarian-rich oozes occur in the equatorial regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans where the depth exceeds the carbonate-compensation depth (around 4500 m in the central Pacific). See also diatom ooze.