We paddle through a channel with a white sand bottom and walls of coral, spotting lobster antennae poking out from crevices.

WSJ: The Ultimate Breathtaking Dive

This was quite easy, because the sand at the bottom of the hole was very soft and fine and dry, like sea-sand.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Five Children and It'

So by taking a core from the bottom and looking for sand layers, Dr Liu was able to record the passage of ancient hurricanes over the pond.

ECONOMIST: Eye on the storm | The

And a layer of sand at the bottom of my duffel bag.

WSJ: Ali Wentworth on a Solo Vacation to Turks and Caicos | Traveler's Tale

The bottom is mainly brilliant white sand or greenish grass, but we were searching for the vaguely brown and yellow hues that indicate the rocks and coral where Caribbean spiny lobster (commonly referred to as "bugs" for their insect-like appearance) live.

BBC: Lobster diving in the Abacos

Some companies that have chosen to draw lines in the sand have reported extremely positive bottom-line impact as well as a long-term deterrent to frivolous lawsuits.

FORBES: The Advantages -- and Hidden Dangers -- in Taco Bell's 'Where's the Beef' Litigation Strategy

At the bottom sat a lump of granite, the wet sand around it strewn with cigarette butts and ticket stubs from the wax museum.

NPR: Unearthing History in 'A Voyage Long and Strange'

Dredging: excavation, digging, scraping, draglining, suction dredging to emove sand, silt, rock or other underwater sea-bottom material.

UNESCO: L O S S A R Y

Bar: fully or partially submerged mound of sand, gravel or other unconsolidated material built on the sea-bottom in shallow water by waves and currents.

UNESCO: L O S S A R Y

So I know some of you might have been looking forward to a little sun and sand -- (laughter) -- but the bottom line is, is that we are going to stay here as long as it takes to make sure that the American people's taxes don't go up on January 1st, and to make sure that folks who desperately need unemployment insurance get that help.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks on Confirming Richard Cordray

Normally, the bottom of a lake is muddy, but a hurricane-induced surge will bring sand into the pond.

ECONOMIST: Eye on the storm | The

It involves learning where sponges grow, picking the right one, prying an intact sponge from the sea bottom, and using it on their noses to root around the right areas to find fish concealed in the sand.

MSN: Dolphin social networks show first hints of culture