The Mariana Trench is the Earth’s deepest known point, whose bottom is an astounding 36,000 feet (6.8 miles) beneath the surface. At that depth, you wouldn’t think there would be much activity going on, never mind any deep sea creatures.
However, scientists continue to discover an incredible array of deep sea creatures in the deepest reaches of the planet’s oceans. Many of these life forms rely on ecosystems much higher above in the water column for their sustenance, as large carcasses that sink from shallower depths provide a buffet for a myriad of creatures, ranging from sharks to jellyfish, on the way down.
Hydrothermal vents on the deep sea floor create mineral-rich environments upon which a host of marine life subsist, including tube worms, crustaceans, amphipods, amoebas, and bacteria. Marine researchers recently discovered a type of white skate that uses hydrothermal vents two miles below the surface as nurseries, laying their eggs on top of them to start incubation (the culmination of which takes up to 4.5 years!).
This gallery features just a few amazing deep sea creatures that would be impossible to see otherwise. Isn’t it wonderful that there’s still so much to discover in our oceans?
