Scientists have discovered thriving communities of marine creatures in the Kuril-Kamchatka and Aleutian trenches of the northwest Pacific Ocean. These ecosystems, found at depths exceeding 9,500 meters, are dominated by tube worms and clams that obtain energy through chemosynthesis, utilizing chemicals like hydrogen sulfide and methane seeping from the seafloor. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the limits of life and underscores the adaptability of organisms to extreme environments. The findings were published in the journal *Nature* on July 30, 2025.
The research, conducted by the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, utilized the Fendouzhe submersible to explore the hadal zone, a tectonically active region. The organisms in this environment survive through chemosynthesis, feeding on microbes that process accumulated carbon. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the limits of life and underscores the importance of protecting these unique habitats from threats such as deep-sea mining.
Further research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that the hadal zone, encompassing trenches like the Mariana Trench, is home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth. The pressure at these depths is immense, reaching over 1,000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level, yet life persists. This highlights the incredible adaptability of life and the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
The exploration of these deep-sea trenches is ongoing, with scientists continuously discovering new species and gaining a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within these environments. The discovery of these ecosystems is a reminder that life's potential is boundless, and that even in the darkest depths, there is light to be found.