abyssopelagial

The abyssopelagial is a zone of the pelagic region of the ocean that lies between 4,000 and 6,000 meters (13,123 to 19,685 feet) in depth. It is also known as the abyssal zone or the abyssal plain. This region is characterized by extreme pressure, complete darkness, and very cold temperatures, typically ranging from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Sunlight does not penetrate this deep, making photosynthesis impossible for most organisms. The seafloor in the abyssopelagic zone is generally flat and covered in fine sediment, often composed of organic matter that has settled from the upper layers of the ocean.

Life in the abyssopelagic zone is sparse and adapted to the harsh conditions. Organisms that inhabit this zone are often bioluminescent, using light for communication, hunting, or defense. Many are scavengers or detritivores, feeding on marine snow, which consists of dead organisms and waste products that drift down from shallower waters. Examples of animals found here include deep-sea anglerfish, viperfish, and various species of jellyfish and crustaceans. Despite the seemingly inhospitable environment, the abyssopelagic zone plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and supports a unique ecosystem.