The ocean deeps are the ocean’s deepest portion. They are also referred to as Submarine trenches. These trenches aren’t always found in the centre of ocean basins. They could be quite near to, or even parallel to, the continents that are bounded by Fold Mountains.
- The Pacific Ocean is home to the most trenches. The Mariana Trench, located in the Pacific Ocean, is the world’s deepest known location.
- They are frequently found near areas of volcanic and earthquake activity. They give birth to massive earthquakes and tsunamis.
Trenches
- Trenches are the deepest parts of the oceans.
- It is relatively steep-sided and has narrow basins.
- It is also 3-5 km deeper than the surrounding ocean floor.
- The trenches are found at the base of continental slopes, near island areas, and related to active volcanoes and earthquakes.
- As of now, 57 trenches are founded and out of it 32 are found in the Pacific, 19 found in the Atlantic, and 6 in the Indian ocean.
Origin
It is well understood that these are formed due to subsidence of older/denser Oceanic Crust due to crustal movement.
Features of Ocean Deeps
- It is the deepest part of the ocean characterized by steep sides and narrow basins.
- It is generally 3-5 km deeper than the surrounding ocean floor.
- It is found near the Islands arc associated with Volcanos.
- There are 57 known deep trenches in the world:
- 32 are in the Pacific Ocean
- 19 are in the Atlantic Ocean
- 6 are in the Indian Ocean
Characterstics of Ocean Deeps
Basically these are of two types:-
- Deeps – very deep but narrow belt.
- Trenches – Long and extensive and parallel to the coast or Island.
- There total 57 deeps and trenches discovered till today Pacific Ocean (32), Atlantic Ocean (19) and Indian Ocean (6).
- Example- Mariana Trench/West(11,022 m) of Philippines is the deepest trench of the Earth.
FAQs related The Deep Ocean
Ques 1 . What is the deep ocean?
Answer: The deep ocean refers to the vast and relatively unexplored regions of the ocean that lie beyond the continental shelf. It encompasses the ocean’s deepest and most remote areas, reaching depths below 200 meters (656 feet) down to the ocean floor’s deepest trenches.
Ques 2. What makes the deep ocean unique?
Answer: The deep ocean is characterized by extreme conditions, including high pressure, total darkness, and cold temperatures. It hosts a diverse range of fascinating and often bizarre marine life that has adapted to survive in these harsh environments. Additionally, the deep ocean plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate, as it stores and transports vast amounts of heat, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.
Ques 3. Why is the deep ocean important?
Answer: The deep ocean is crucial for several reasons. It is a significant reservoir of biodiversity, supporting a multitude of unique and poorly understood species. Furthermore, the deep ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing and sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, deep-sea ecosystems provide valuable resources, such as pharmaceutical compounds, minerals, and potential sources of renewable energy, making the exploration and conservation of these areas increasingly relevant for scientific and economic purposes.
Read Also : Abyssal Plain Of The Ocean
