Abyssal plain

The ocean floor

Abyssal plains commonly lie 3–6 km below the surface. Fine sediment settles over the oceanic crust, smoothing its relief. Food arriving from upper waters sustains life beyond the reach of sunlight.

html,body{position:static!important;height:auto!important;overflow:auto!important}body{color:#e8f1ff}body>:not(noscript){display:none!important}#static-seo-content img{display:block;max-width:100%;height:auto}#static-seo-content{max-width:800px;margin:40px auto;padding:24px;font:16px/1.7 Arial,sans-serif}#static-seo-content a{color:#a8d5ef}#static-seo-content nav{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px} A yellow submersible explores an ocean trench between steep rocky walls at a depth of 8 km.

A yellow submersible explores an ocean trench between steep rocky walls at a depth of 8 km.

Abyssal plain

Abyssal plains commonly lie 3–6 km below the surface. Fine sediment settles over the oceanic crust, smoothing its relief. Food arriving from upper waters sustains life beyond the reach of sunlight.

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