Vertical exploration
The depths
From the sunlit surface to the darkest trenches on the globe: five zones, each with its own rules of light, pressure and life.
- Depth
- 0 m
- Pressure
- 1.0 atm
- Temperature
- 22.0 °C
Scroll to descend
0–200 m
Epipelagic zone
The sunlit zone: enough sunlight penetrates to allow photosynthesis. This is where the vast majority of known marine species live.
6 representative species (out of 66 total)
0–20 m
0–30 m
0–300 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
0–150 m
1–35 m
150–700 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
200–1000 m
Mesopelagic zone
The twilight zone. Light fades rapidly and disappears entirely. This is where the first bioluminescent species appear.
4 representative species (out of 26 total)
300–1200 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
300–1000 m
500–3000 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
600–1200 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
1000–4000 m
Bathypelagic zone
No sunlight ever reaches this deep. The only light is produced by the organisms themselves.
4 representative species (out of 15 total)
1000–7000 m
↕ also reaches other zones (see its sheet)
1500–2500 m
1500–3500 m
1500–2500 m
4000–6000 m
Abyssopelagic zone
The abyssal plains. Crushing pressure, near-freezing temperatures — life is rare but adapted to extreme conditions.
6000 m and beyond
Hadal zone
The ocean trenches. The least explored realm on the planet, reaching over 11,000 m at the Mariana Trench.
- 🕳️ Mariana Trench — down to 10935 m
- 🕳️ Tonga Trench — down to 10882 m
- 🕳️ Philippine Trench — down to 10540 m
- 🕳️ Kuril–Kamchatka Trench — down to 10500 m
- 🕳️ Puerto Rico Trench — down to 8376 m
- 🕳️ Peru–Chile Trench (Atacama) — down to 8065 m
2 representative species (out of 3 total)
6198–8076 m
6800–10935 m
