This is the United States Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear submarine. Each submarine costs over three billion dollars.
Despite having the most advanced and state-of-the-art technologies and extremely expensive construction costs, it can only dive to a maximum depth of about 457 meters, similar to the ill-fated Titan submarine that recently had an accident.
Although it is made of carbon fiber combined with a titanium hull, according to the company’s advertisement, it can only reach a depth of 4,000 meters.
On the other hand, there are species of fish that can survive at depths of more than 8,000 meters below the ocean floor.
So why aren’t they crushed by the water pressure? Could it be that their bodies are stronger than titanium, or is there some supernatural force that helps them survive at such great depths?
1. The Challenger Deep
As we stand on the surface of the Earth, the atmospheric pressure around us is 1 ATM. However, as we descend into the ocean, the pressure increases by an additional ATM for every 10 meters of depth.
In other words, at the deepest point of the ocean explored by humans, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, which is approximately 11,000 meters deep, the pressure on your body would be over 1,100 times higher than at the Earth’s surface.
Below the ocean floor, humans would be crushed by the immense pressure. Your eardrums would rupture, your lungs would collapse, and your breathing would become rapid.
In fact, diving just a few hundred feet below the surface of the ocean could be fatal due to the pressure of the water.
However, there are many marine animals such as squid, crabs, seals, and thousands of other sea creatures that can survive unaffected by water pressure.
Although water pressure can be incredibly strong, compressing the air in organs and tissues, fish do not have air-filled cavities in their bodies that can be compressed, especially if they do not use lungs to breathe. Their bodies are mostly water, which prevents pressure differentials.
The species Saccopharynx ampullaceus has been found in the Mariana Trench at a recorded depth of 8,076 meters.
Some species of whales, seals, and other crustaceans can dive to an impressive depth of nearly 10,000 meters. These organisms have lungs and circulatory systems similar to humans, so why are they not affected by water pressure?
First, the lungs of these creatures can completely collapse under water pressure. Their lungs flatten out like a sheet of paper to force all the air into the bloodstream and muscles, where the air gradually dissolves.
These organs have adapted to contain high levels of myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen in the muscles. This organ also prevents gas exchange in the swim bladder, thereby preventing nitrogen from entering the bloodstream.
This adaptation is important because it helps prevent decompression sickness, a condition often seen in humans when divers ascend to the surface too quickly.
Deep-sea creatures such as whales have learned to ascend slowly so that their bodies can adjust to the sudden changes in pressure at certain depths. They relax their bodies, much like human divers, to prevent rapid pressure changes.
But even with sophisticated organs, some deep-sea creatures still cannot survive. The ability of fish to dive to depths of more than 7,000 meters is facilitated by a special substance called trimethylamine.
This substance prevents proteins and other important molecules in the body from deforming under external pressure. At greater depths, however, this substance loses its effectiveness in fish and other marine organisms.
Next, we will explore the Mariana Trench, a place of remarkable size, stretching 1,580 miles and having a maximum width of 69 km.
It plunges to a staggering depth of 36,037 feet and contains an environment where water pressure reaches unimaginable levels, exceeding 1,071 times normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.
In the midst of this awe-inspiring habitat, a variety of fascinating and wonderful creatures call it home.
2. Dumbo Octopus
The Dumbo octopus, also known as Grimpoteuthis, is an adorable member of the pelagic umbrella octopus genus, named for its resemblance to the character Dumbo.
Although discovered in the 19th century, it was not observed until the invention of deep-sea submersibles in the 1990s.
The Dumbo octopus is relatively small, typically between 20 and 30 centimeters in length. Its gelatinous body is an extraordinary adaptation for survival in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea.
The immense pressure is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of its body. However, if brought to the surface, the delicate nature of the Dumbo octopus would hinder its ability to function properly.
3. Angler Fish
The anglerfish, famous for its appearance in the movie Finding Nemo, is a fascinating sea creature. It stands out for its unique feature – a glowing appendage on its head. With a distinctive body shape and sharp teeth, the anglerfish has gained popularity.
Female anglerfish can grow up to 8 inches in length, while males are considerably smaller. Their reproductive behavior is extraordinary, as the male physically fuses with the female to become a single entity.
This adaptation allows for direct sperm transfer and successful reproduction in their deep-sea habitat.
4. Frilled Shark
The frilled shark, a fascinating species, was first discovered in the 19th century by the German ichthyologist Ludwig H.P. Döderlein.
Its unique appearance and distinctive mouth structure have earned it the nickname “living fossil”. Resembling an eel with an elongated body, the frilled shark has a dark brown to gray coloration.
It possesses an amphistyly that allows for a unique range of jaw movement. Its jaw structure consists of widely spaced teeth, with the upper jaw typically having 19 to 28 teeth and the lower jaw 21 to 29 teeth.
The frilled shark thrives in the deep ocean near the seafloor and can be found near prominent underwater features such as the Mariana Trench. It prefers areas of high biological productivity, using its specialized adaptations for survival.
5. Goblin Shark
The Goblin Shark, an elusive and unusual shark species, attracts attention with its remarkable and somewhat eerie characteristics.
Often likened to a relic from the past (much like the frilled shark), its appearance is considered unique and fossilized. Adorned with pink skin, it has an unmistakable snout shape.
The goblin shark’s elongated and flattened body displays a protruding jaw, accompanied by remarkably slender and razor-sharp teeth.
Reaching lengths of approximately 10 to 13 feet, these sharks can reach considerable size. However, human sightings of goblin sharks are rare.
This is largely due to their preference for deep oceanic habitats, residing at depths of around 100 meters or 330 feet.
These remarkable depths serve as their sanctuary, shrouding them in mystery and limiting their encounters with human observers.
6. Telescope Octopus
The telescope octopus is a fascinating and rarely observed member of the octopus family, characterized by its transparent appearance, symmetrical eight arms, and unique tubular eyes.
First discovered by Dr. William Evans Hoyle in 1885, this mysterious creature remains enigmatic, with limited knowledge of its behavior and characteristics.
It is thought to be closely related to the glass octopus. Ongoing research aims to learn more about the telescope octopus, revealing fascinating insights into its life and habits.
7. Zombie Worm
Zombie worms, scientifically known as Osedax, are fascinating deep-sea polychaetes with the unique ability to consume bones from whale carcasses.
Their name, derived from the Latin “Osedax” meaning “bone eater,” reflects their specialized adaptation.
These worms use specialized root tissues to bore into bones and access the valuable lipids they contain.
Thriving in the harsh deep-sea environment, these worms play a vital role in decomposition and nutrient recycling.
By burrowing into whale bones, they not only extract nutrients but also create intricate networks that facilitate the distribution of decaying matter.
8. Barreleye Fish
The Barreleye Fish, also known as the Spooky Fish, is a fascinating deep-sea creature found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
It is characterized by its unique barrel-shaped eyes that face upward. This adaptation allows the fish to navigate in low-light conditions and detect prey swimming overhead.
The Barreleye Fish showcases the remarkable adaptations of the deep sea and highlights the diversity and ingenuity of marine life.
9. Deep-sea Dragonfish
The deep-sea dragonfish, also known as the scaleless dragonfish, is a fascinating predator that lives in the depths of the ocean.
Despite its small size, about six inches long, it has a dragon-like appearance with large, protruding teeth.
One of its most remarkable features is its ability to produce light through bioluminescence. Specialized organs called photophores enable this glowing display, which attracts both prey and potential mates.
This adaptation allows the deep-sea dragonfish to navigate and thrive in the dark depths where visibility is limited. Its bioluminescent ability exemplifies the fascinating strategies and adaptations that have evolved in the mysterious realm of the deep sea.
10. Sea Cucumber
The sea cucumber is a fascinating echinoderm of the class Holothuroidea. These small marine animals with leathery skin can be found on seafloors around the world.
With approximately 1,700 known species, mostly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, sea cucumbers play an important ecological role.
They are efficient decomposers, breaking down detritus and organic matter to clean the environment and promote nutrient recycling.
Some species even live in the deep waters of the Mariana Trench. Their cucumber-like shape and ecological importance demonstrate the interconnectedness and balance of marine ecosystems.
11. Snailfish
Snailfish are fascinating creatures that inhabit the frigid waters of the Arctic to Antarctic oceans. There are over 410 recognized species, with many more waiting to be discovered.
They occupy a wide range of depths, from the surface to an astonishing depth of approximately 26,200 feet (8,000 meters). Despite being understudied, snailfish have interesting characteristics.
They lack scales and have loose skin, allowing them to adapt to the deep-sea environment. With small teeth and prominent sensory pores on their heads, snailfish are highly attuned to their surroundings and a reminder of the vast unexplored depths of the ocean.
The deep sea is a realm of wonder and mystery, home to fascinating creatures with unique adaptations and fascinating behaviors. They remind us of the vast unexplored depths and the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.
Join us as we continue to uncover the mysteries of the deep sea and appreciate the fascinating world that lies beneath the surface.
