Ocean Layering Essay Example

Epipelagic Zone

The Epipelagic Zone, or as some people call it, the Sunlight Zone is the first layer of the ocean. This zone is the closest to the surface. The Epipelagic Zone extends from the surface down to the depth of 200 meters. The pressure in this zone varies based on the depth. The deeper you go the higher the pressure. At the surface the pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch, and increases to 382.1 pounds per square inch at 200 meters. Most visible light exists in this zone. The temperature in the Epipelagic Zone varies from 97ºFahrenheit in the Persian Gulf to 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the Arctic. Since this zone is closest to the surface, heat is able to warm the water, causing this zone to have the biggest temperature span in the ocean. The life forms  in this zone are Algae, Phytoplankton, Krill, Dolphins, Pufferfish, sharks, schooling fish, Sea Turtles, and many more that are well known sea creatures. About 90 percent of ocean life are found here. 

Mesopelagic Zone 

The second layer of the ocean is the Mesopelagic Zone, also known as the Twilight zone. This layer extends from 200 meters down to the depth of 1000 meters. The Pressure here differs drastically from the Sunlight Zone. The Mesopelagic Zone has 5300 pounds per square inch. The level of sunlight in this area is very faint. Many sea creatures have bioluminescence so they can see better. The temperature here ranges from 41º Fahrenheit to 39º Fahrenheit. The life forms in the Twilight Zone includes Squids, schooling fish, Jellyfish, and Bioluminescence

Bathypelagic Zone 

The next layer is the Bathypelagic Zone, or as some people call it, the Midnight Zone. This zone is the 3rd zone and the depth ranges from 1000 to 4000 meters.  The pressure here is 5850 pounds per square inch, which is equivalent to 5850 psi. The level of sunlight is constant darkness, which makes it hard to see in the area. The temperature in this zone is 39º Fahrenheit and sea animals that live down here consist of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and jellyfish. Sperm whales also dive at these depths to hunt on squid.

Abyssopelagic Zone 

The Abyssopelagic Zone, Also called the Abyssal Zone is the 4th layer of the ocean. This layer has depths of 4000 meters to 6000 meters deep. The pressure here is 5850 pounds per square inch, which is equivalent to 5850 psi. There is also zero sunlight in this zone which makes fish have bioluminescence to see. The temperature in this zone is always near freezing temperatures. The life forms in this zone are tiny squid.