abyssal plain

[ uh-bis-uhl pleyn ]

noun

1. Oceanography. any of various large, level areas of the ocean floor, occurring at depths of more than 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and covered with a thick layer of sediment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abyssal plain¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

MBARI's Continental Margin Processes Team, led by Senior Scientist Charlie Paull, investigates how the morphology of the continental margin -- where the continental shelf transitions to the abyssal plain -- is sculpted and changed over time.

From Science Daily

These latest international talks continue an ongoing effort to decide what rules should apply to companies that want to collect minerals from the abyssal plain, one of the deepest parts of the ocean.

From BBC

But the abyssal plain is vast.

From BBC

A group of British scientists is currently surveying species on the abyssal plain in the eastern Pacific.

From BBC

The great advantage the world has as it decides how to proceed with mining on the abyssal plain is that regulation is being made before the industry has started, Dr Glover said.

From BBC