Why Do We Explore Abyssal Plains?

When you think of the deep-sea, what do you imagine? Often our remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploration takes us to places like seamounts and active underwater volcanoes because of the exciting dynamics of these sites. Yet, by far, the most abundant habitat on the seafloor is the abyssal plain. This unsung habitat is home to complex, slow-cycling processes and plays a key role in the global ocean system.  So to help us learn more, every expedition of 2026 visited abyssal plain habitats from the central to western Pacific. 

But what is the abyssal plain, and how do we study it miles below the ocean surface? What kind of life thrives in this sedimented world?  In this video, Dr. Ashton Flinders of the US Geological Survey, and a Watch Lead scientist from the Corps of Exploration answers these questions and more- explaining the importance of this vast, understudied habitat that makes up most of our seafloor. Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus is exploring unknown regions of the ocean, seeking out new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of STEAM education and technological innovation. 

Join us 24/7 for live video from the seafloor and the ship. To engage with Ocean Exploration Trust's team of explorers at sea, visit www.NautilusLive.org.