The Mariana Trench, or Mariana Trench, is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is considered the deepest place on the planet. The depression was discovered in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the research expedition of the British corvette Challenger. The device established the deepest point in the depression at 10,993 meters. Due to the significant depth and water pressure, the gutter is difficult to investigate. The depression conceals many secrets in its depths.
Expeditions
Oceanologists have tried several times to dive to the bottom of the depression. The first dive was organized by American researchers aboard the Glomar Challenger. The result of the immersion was a fixed sound inside the trough of unknown origin. When the scientists took out the device, they saw that the strong metal cable was almost cut, and the body was badly crumpled.
During further dives of the German and British bathyscaphes, scientists again noted unknown sounds. At the same time, the cameras recorded the shadows of large sea animals. However, James Cameron, who decided to dive to the bottom of the depression, said that he did not see any strange objects and felt the lifeless space around.
Underwater bridges
In 2010, scientists discovered interesting stone formations inside the gutter, which they called "bridges". They extend from one end of the depression to the other for several kilometers. One of the most imposing bridges is 68 meters long. Experts have found that the bridges were formed by connecting in some parts of the Pacific and Philippine tectonic plates.
The Dutton Ridge Bridge was discovered back in 1979. Education has a height of 2, 3 kilometers.
Every year more and more such bridges are found in the depths of the depression. Their purpose is unknown and is regarded by experts as formations of natural origin.
Volcano
At a depth of 3, 7 kilometers in the depression there is a volcano called Daikoku. A unique rock formation spews liquid sulfur. The volcano formed a sulfur lake around itself, which is considered an amazing natural phenomenon.
In addition, the volcano caused the formation of hydrothermal vents called "black smokers". the temperature of the water in the springs reaches 430 degrees, but it does not boil due to the high pressure.
"Smokers" have the ability to turn into black sulphides on contact with the water in the trench. When viewed from above, the sources appear to be swirling black smoke.
Poisonous amoeba
In the depths of the Mariana Trench, giant amoebas live, reaching 10 centimeters in diameter. Such living beings are called "xenophiophores". Despite the fact that this species is one-celled, its representatives reach large sizes due to the low water temperature, lack of direct sunlight and high pressure.
An interesting fact is that amoebas have a high level of immunity, which is able to destroy most of the deadly viruses and chemicals. Due to the fact that amoebas can absorb various minerals from the surrounding water space, it has become possible to develop immunity to mercury, uranium and lead.
Ecosystem
Living conditions for any living creatures in the Mariana Trench are not the best. At the same time, at different depths, scientists discovered different living things:
- bacteria;
- deep sea fish;
- shellfish;
- jellyfish;
- seaweed.
The inhabitants of the depression have been able to adapt to the harsh conditions over the years, which is reflected in their appearance. For example, at a depth of recorded fish with a huge mouth and sharp teeth. The size of such creatures is often small and they differ in their flattened shape. At great depths live "inhabitants" of a pale and inconspicuous color, with good eyesight. Sometimes living beings in the cavity lack the organs of vision. They are replaced by hearing organs and the ability to radar.
Mysterious megalodons
At the beginning of the 20th century, fishermen from Australia saw a large fish, resembling a shark in outline, near the Mariana Trench. The size of the creature was over 34 meters in length. According to experts, this kind of shark existed on earth more than 2 million years ago and the preservation of the species is currently impossible.
In contrast to the guesses of scientists, in 1934, a shark tooth of the species Carcharodon megalodon was found in the waters of the depression. The cutter is 12 centimeters long and about 8 centimeters wide. The find caused a stir in scientific circles, but there is still no evidence that megalodons live in the depression.
Bottom composition
The bottom of the Mariana Trench is covered with viscous mucus. No sandy formations were found in any part of the depression. The bottom is formed by the remains of the smallest particles of shells, plankton, which have been deposited for many years. The strongest water pressure turns any solid substance into dirt and mucus.
The mucus that collects at the bottom has important functions. First, it is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Secondly, this mucus is a food source for other, more complex microorganisms. Thirdly, the mucus protects the inhabitants of the bottom from the dangers of other "inhabitants" of the depression.
