hadopelagic

Hadopelagic is a marine biology term for the deepest part of the ocean's pelagic zone, referring to the water column in the hadal depths of ocean trenches. The hadopelagic zone is typically defined as depths from about 6,000 meters down to about 11,000 meters, though exact boundaries vary. It lies within the broader hadal region, which also includes the trench floors (hadal benthos).

Conditions in the hadopelagic zone are extreme: perpetual darkness, near-freezing temperatures around 1–2°C, and pressures exceeding 1,000 atmospheres. Energy input is scarce, with food delivered mainly by marine snow and occasional vertical fluxes; trenches can also have localized patches of organic matter.

Life in this zone is specialized for high pressure and low energy. Fauna includes snailfishes and various crustaceans such as amphipods, as well as polychaete worms. Many hadopelagic organisms have slow metabolisms, membranes adapted to pressure, and reduced eyes or sensory structures due to darkness.

Exploration relies on deep-diving submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, and baited traps. Since the late 20th century, researchers have described several hadopelagic species from trenches such as the Mariana and other hadal zones, underscoring the diversity and uniqueness of these deepest ecosystems. The hadopelagic zone is important for studies of extreme life, adaptation to high pressure, and the role of trenches in deep-sea biogeochemical cycles.