geography

definition of abyssal plain

In the same way that the different types of relief that exist on the earth's surface are studied, the same is done with the land surface that is under water and that, although it cannot be seen, is also of great importance for development of various types of ecosystems and biomes. Among the sections that make up the underwater surface we find the abyssal plain, perhaps the most extensive of all.

By abyssal plain we understand that part of the underwater surface in which the terrain already has a significant depth, usually between four thousand and six thousand meters deep, although depending on each region this may vary, which means a more stable section of surface after the abrupt descent that occurs between the land and the underwater surface. The abyssal plain is the space where the rock stops descending and can usually stretch for miles. It has a certain inclination in some cases, but much more imperceptible than the rest of the surfaces that make up the ocean basin.

As with the plains that are outside the water, the abyssal plain has a low relief, with few elevations that are also very inconspicuous. However, the abyssal plain is not the deepest space in the ocean basin since normally large trenches can appear behind it that can reach up to 10,000 meters deep.

In the abyssal plain, life forms develop that do not have much contact with the light due to the depth in which they are found. The abyssal plains are considered to be species of aquatic deserts due to their scarce biodiversity, however it is also known that many different species of microorganisms, eels and plants that have adapted to these conditions inhabit them.

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