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ECOSYSTEMS > OPEN SEA
At approximately 3,280 to 9,842 feet (1000 to 3000 m), the Midnight Zone (Bathypelagic Zone) is so deep it cannot be penetrated by sunlight. Unlike the Twilight Zone which may appear pitch black to the naked eye but still receives some light, the Midnight Zone is truly is a lightless universe. All the water above creates tremendous pressures, up to 5,800 pounds per square inch (680 kg per square cm). The pressure is so great it is hard to imagine any life other than bacteria could survive here. Yet it does. Many of the animals here are soft-bodied, which allows them to absorb pressures which might injure or kill other species. Like the animals of the Twilight Zone above, these creatures often survive by eating organic material which drifts down through the depths. Others feed off the earth itself, consuming bacteria produced from the methane and sulfides seeping through the ocean floor. These are one of the few food webs on the planet which do not include the sun. |
It’s only been recently that scientists discovered complex biological communities living around hydrothermal (volcanic) vents, deep underwater fissures which spew normally lethal substances like liquid carbon dioxide and sulfur. As strange as it seems, life has adapted to benefit from these chemicals, using them as a primary energy source in a place sunlight will never reach.
Features Related to the Midnight Zone:
Creep into the Deep, 2015: In this virtual exploration, marine biologists study vision and bioluminescence in the deepest regions of the Gulf of Mexico.
Creep into the DEEPEND: Join the Oceanscape Network and eleven other agencies for the most comprehensive survey of deep-sea life in the Gulf of Mexico.
Deep Sea Diver: The Sperm Whale: The pressure in the ocean's Midnight Zone is so great it's hard to imagine any creature surviving there, let alone an air-breathing whale!
Earth, The Ocean Planet: Seen from space, the Earth is clearly a world of water. In fact, life here simply wouldn't exist without this one huge, interconnected ocean.
Phoenix Island Chain Deep Dive: They are one of the deepest, most pristine coral reefs on Earth. Venture to the Phoenix Islands Chain with Schmidt Ocean Institute for a first glimpse at these unseen ecosystems.
Searching for Life in the Mariana Back-Arc: In the lightless and super heated ecosystems around volcanic vents, marine life have evolved unique survival strategies. This three-week virtual exploration will take you deep into the trenches and valleys of the Mariana Back-Arc to better understand this miracle of life.
Tamara Frank, Part 2: Saving the Deep Sea: Dr. Tamara Frank, marine biologist and explorer, discusses how global climate change and pollution are affecting even the deepest regions of the ocean.
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Oregon: From the massive blue whale to the diminutive harbor porpoise, this identification guide contains beautiful illustrations of each species and is a great research tool for students, teachers or just anyone who loves whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Creep into the DEEPEND: Join the Oceanscape Network and eleven other agencies for the most comprehensive survey of deep-sea life in the Gulf of Mexico.
Deep Sea Diver: The Sperm Whale: The pressure in the ocean's Midnight Zone is so great it's hard to imagine any creature surviving there, let alone an air-breathing whale!
Earth, The Ocean Planet: Seen from space, the Earth is clearly a world of water. In fact, life here simply wouldn't exist without this one huge, interconnected ocean.
Phoenix Island Chain Deep Dive: They are one of the deepest, most pristine coral reefs on Earth. Venture to the Phoenix Islands Chain with Schmidt Ocean Institute for a first glimpse at these unseen ecosystems.
Searching for Life in the Mariana Back-Arc: In the lightless and super heated ecosystems around volcanic vents, marine life have evolved unique survival strategies. This three-week virtual exploration will take you deep into the trenches and valleys of the Mariana Back-Arc to better understand this miracle of life.
Tamara Frank, Part 2: Saving the Deep Sea: Dr. Tamara Frank, marine biologist and explorer, discusses how global climate change and pollution are affecting even the deepest regions of the ocean.
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Oregon: From the massive blue whale to the diminutive harbor porpoise, this identification guide contains beautiful illustrations of each species and is a great research tool for students, teachers or just anyone who loves whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Representative Species of the Midnight Zone
Downloadable Items:
Header photo courtesy of Schmidt Ocean Institute.