What is the Mariana Trench and why does it harbor some of the world's weirdest creatures? Click here to learn about the darkest place where life lives!
Figure 1: A helicopter view of the Mariana Trench
Introduction
The Mariana Trench, considered to be the most unexplored region known on Earth, is a deep sea trench that has a depth of about 7 miles (Or 11,000 m deep!). It is located on the western side of the Pacific Ocean, near the Mariana Islands. Even Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, could fit inside of the Mariana Trench and still leave plenty of room!
How did the Mariana Trench Form?
Just like other deep-sea trenches, the Mariana Trench formed as a result of plate tectonics, namely the interaction between the Philippine Plate and the Pacific Plate. As the two plates converged, the Pacific Plate subducted, or "slid below" the Philippine Plate. This interaction is what generates a giant void in between the intersection of the Philippine Plate and the Pacific Plate, ultimately causing the formation of the Mariana Trench.
Figure 2: A diagram explaining the formation of the Mariana Trench
Why have we Barely Explored the Mariana Trench?
The reason for our minimal exploration of the Mariana Trench is because of the immense water pressure. As one goes deeper underwater, the mass and pressure of the water around them builds up to deadly levels. On sea level, the air pressure is around 14.7 pounds/sq. in. However, towards the bottom of the Mariana Trench, it can exceed more than 16,000 PSI! This kind of pressure can easily destroy submarines and other technologies that are attempting to traverse this trench.
The Mysterious Organisms Living in the Mariana Trench
There are some interesting looking animals down in the Mariana Trench! Some of these strange organisms include Anglerfish, the Dumbo Octopus, the Frilled Shark, the Goblin Shark, the Telescope Octopus, Snailfish, and even Zombie Worms! Most of these organisms have adapted to the harsh conditions of living with no sunlight, and are capable of easily surviving the extreme water pressure!
Figure 3: An image of the Dumbo Octopus - a strange animal that lives in the Mariana Trench
Personal Opinion
Similar to deep space, the Mariana Trench is fascinating to me because of the mysteries and strange organisms and environment that it holds. I hope that, in the future, we will be able to develop technology that allows us to safely plunge into the Mariana Trench and observe the organisms that thrive there.
Citations
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We need to be "Ok" with that the Most High has done. how to enrich ourselves by studying our planet is far more worthy than Gold alone. Let's live long healthy lives in harmony in accordance and be respectful of others endeavors and their locations.
I'm glad MAN can't get down there for long, in the Marianna trench or Go to Mars and stay out there for too long Because all they wanna do is go steal and mess up the resources like they did on Earth. Because they're greedy and Selfish. I'm Glad The Most High, made it like that. Good for him, so they can't ruin nothing so easily as they did Earth!