Deep-Sea Creatures Thrive Under Immense Pressure, but Surface Studies Can Be Tricky
WASHINGTON, D.C. – While the crushing pressure of the deep ocean would instantly incapacitate a human, most deep-sea animals are remarkably unaffected, thanks to their physiology. New insights into how these creatures cope with extreme depths are also revealing challenges for scientists studying them.
On land, we experience atmospheric pressure of one atmosphere (atm). Though, ocean pressure increases by approximately one atmosphere for every 10 meters of depth. At 100 meters, the pressure is roughly 10 times greater then at sea level. Descending to 2,000 meters results in a pressure of around 200 atmospheres.
The key to survival for many deep-sea organisms lies in their lack of meaningful gas-filled spaces like lungs or swim bladders. Because water is largely incompressible, animals composed primarily of water experience minimal impact from the surrounding pressure. Some species routinely undertake vertical migrations of 1,000 meters daily, navigating a 100-atmosphere pressure range without harm.
However, deep-sea pressure does influence biological processes. It can accelerate chemical reaction rates, and organisms adapted to these high pressures may suffer metabolic disruptions when brought to the surface for research. This presents a significant hurdle for scientists attempting to study these fascinating creatures in a controlled environment.
For More Details
What is the “deep” ocean?
Ocean Zones – Learning Science through Ocean Exploration
SCUBA Diving
Now, Take a Deep Breath – Exploring the Submerged New World 2009
