(1) A unit of pressure equal to 106 dynes per square centimeter. Formerly called the barye. It was first suggested by Bjerknes in 1911. In SI units, it is 105 newton/m² or 105 Pa. The unit is used in both meteorology and oceanography. One standard atmosphere is 1. 013250 bars. The pressure exerted by a column of water 1 m deep is very nearly 1 decibar (1 dbar), which makes the unit convenient for oceanographers. (2) A long object of uniform but arbitrary cross section and of considerable mass. The width and depth of the solid are about the same. If the width is considerably greater than the depth, or vice versa, the object is called a sheet. (3) A ridge or mound of sand, gravel, or other unconsolidated material below the level of high water, especially at the mouth of a river or estuary, or lying a short distance from and usually parallel to a beach, and which may obstruct navigation.