Ecosystem Of The Ocean Floor

Physically formed by brown macroalgae kelp forests provide a unique habitat for marine organisms and are a source for understanding many ecological processes.

Ecosystem of the ocean floor.

Deep ocean hydrothermal vent ecosystems were discovered in 1977. We know very little about the deep ocean floor and the life it holds due to the depth and the difficulties this creates for scientists. Some coral reefs are so large they are even visible from outer space. The national park service has ten parks with coral reefs.

The ocean floor covers 70 of the earth s surface. Offering vibrant colors and the greatest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem on the planet. In most of the world the ocean floor is very deep averaging 3 790 meters 12 430 ft in depth. Many of these newly discovered species live deep on the ocean floor in unique habitats that depend on plate movement underwater volcanoes and cold water seeps.

In fact it has been said that we know more about the surface of the moon than about the deeper ocean trenches. But coral reefs only occupy less than one tenth of one percent of the ocean floor. Like all ecosystems marine ecosystems are finely balanced and highly complex. Coral reefs are amazing habitats.

Here are 15 crazy facts about the ocean floor. Contrary to popular belief most of the sea floor known as the open ocean is not really a habitat for animals just a place they pass by on the way to somewhere else. Marine ecosystem includes saltmarsh mangroves mudflats lagoons coral reefs barrier islands estuaries the ocean floor and the deep sea etc. Coral reefs alone are home to over 25 of all marine life despite occupying less than 1 of the ocean floor.

Only about 1 of the sea floor has been explored by humans. Over the last century they have been the focus of extensive research particularly. Nearly half of the world s sea floors are over 3 000 meters 9 800 ft deep. But then hydrothermal vents were discovered.

New species are discovered in the ocean each year by marine biologists and other ocean scientists. There are many different parts that make up an ecosystem and each part plays a role in maintaining balance within the system. This sciencestruck article highlights facts structure and lifeforms belonging to this ecosystem. The deepest reaches of the ocean were once thought to be devoid of life since no light penetrates beyond 1 000 meters 3 300 feet.

Ocean floor and trench ecology. Different areas of the ocean can be classified as different types of marine ecosystems. In fact humans know more about the surface of the moon than the ocean floor. Kelp forests occur worldwide throughout temperate and polar coastal oceans.