The Twilight Zone - 200 to 1,000 meters
The mesopelagic zone, also called the twilight zone, lies just below the epipelagic zone. Sunlight barely reaches this layer, making it a dim and mysterious world. Though it lacks enough light for photosynthesis, it's home to a variety of adapted and bioluminescent organisms.
Key Features
- Depth: 200 - 1,000 meters
- Light: Very limited (no photosynthesis)
- Temperature: Cooler, drops rapidly with depth
- Pressure: Increases significantly compared to surface
- Oxygen: Begins to decline
Why It Matters
- Transfers energy between surface and deep ocean through vertical migration
- Helps in the global carbon cycle by moving carbon from surface to deep waters
- Bioluminescence for communication, camouflage, and hunting
Organisms Found
(Select any to read more)