Story: Deep-sea creatures

The ocean floor

The ocean floor

This sea-floor sediment was photographed at 600 metres in a submarine canyon off south-eastern New Zealand. Covering approximately one square metre, it shows signs of animal activity, such as mounds and tracks. Some white, stalked sponges (Stylocordyla borealis) can also be seen. The source of food for life on the sea bed is the sprinkling rain of dead and decaying matter from the upper levels.

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Photograph by Peter Batson

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How to cite this page:

Paddy Ryan, 'Deep-sea creatures - Sea-floor life', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5277/the-ocean-floor (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 12 Jun 2006