abyssal zone
noun
Meaning
The layer of the ocean floor at depths between 4,000 and 6,000 meters, characterized by perpetual darkness, near-freezing temperatures, and high hydrostatic pressure.
Examples
- Many creatures living in the abyssal zone have evolved bioluminescence to attract prey in the total darkness.
- Scientists use specialized deep-sea submersibles to explore the extreme environment of the abyssal zone.
Synonyms: abyss, deep sea, ocean floor, pelagic zone