Hadal

/ˈheɪdəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean, deeper than 6,000 meters, found in oceanic trenches. This zone represents the most extreme deep-sea environment on Earth, with crushing pressure and unique geological features.

Etymology

Named after Hades, the Greek underworld, reflecting the extreme depths and harsh conditions of these oceanic trenches. The term was coined by Danish oceanographer Anton Bruun in 1956 to describe this deepest zone of marine environments.

Kelly Says

Hadal trenches are like underwater Grand Canyons that plunge deeper than Mount Everest is tall! The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench reaches nearly 11,000 meters down, where the pressure is over 1,000 times greater than at sea level, yet amazingly, life still thrives there.

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