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Star News INDONESIA, Wednesday, (13 November 2024). JAKARTA - The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest point on Earth, reaching a depth of 10,994 meters or about 36,070 feet. Known as the deepest place on the planet, the trench holds many natural mysteries that are yet to be fully uncovered. Scientific exploration of the trench not only reveals the extreme conditions at such depths but also the incredible biodiversity that thrives there.
The discovery of the Mariana Trench began in 1875 when the HMS Challenger expedition first measured its depth. However, it was only in the 21st century that further exploration was conducted using advanced technologies like underwater robots and high-tech submersibles. The trench has become a subject of interest not only for oceanographers studying marine geology but also for biologists eager to understand life that can survive under such extreme conditions.
The environment at the trench is vastly different from life at the ocean’s surface. The water temperature at these depths is frigid, ranging from 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, and the pressure is more than 1,000 times that of the atmosphere at sea level. Despite these harsh conditions, several species of life forms have adapted to survive here. For example, giant worms, clams, and even new species that were previously unknown to science have been found living in these depths.
One surprising discovery was the presence of microbes that live without sunlight and rely on chemicals found at the ocean floor. These microbes can survive under extreme pressure and freezing temperatures, providing new insights into the possibility of life on other planets with similar conditions.
However, despite the fascination with exploring the Mariana Trench, it remains a significant challenge for researchers. The limitations of technology and the potential damage to the fragile ecosystem make further exploration a delicate endeavor. As a result, while our knowledge of the trench has grown substantially, many questions still remain unanswered.
Writer : Julia Silalahi
Editor : Meli Purba