Geology and Minerals

Deep-sea community

A deep-sea community is any community of organisms associated with a shared habitat in the deep sea. Deep sea communities remain largely unexplored, due to the technological and logistical challenges and expense involved in visiting this remote biome. Because of the unique challenges (particularly the high barometric pressure, extremes of temperature, and absence of light), it was long believed that little life existed in this hostile environment. Since the 19th century however, research has demonstrated that significant biodiversity exists in the deep sea. The three main sources of energy and nutrients for deep sea communities are marine snow, whale falls, and chemosynthesis at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Dreveník
• ▸Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev
• ▸Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge

Uncatalogued shelf

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