Mesopelagic zone

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The mesopelagic zone (Greek μέσον, middle), also known as the middle pelagic or twilight zone, is the part of the pelagic zone that lies between the photic epipelagic and the aphotic bathypelagic zones. It is defined by light, and begins at the depth where only 1% of incident light reaches and ends where there is no light; depth ranges from approximately 200 to 1,000 meters (660 to 3,280 ft) below the ocean surface. It is largely nutrient-rich in comparison to the euphotic zone, making the biogeochemical processes of the mesopelagic particularly important to nutrient cycling in the ocean. The mesopelagic zone occupies about 60% of the planet's surface and about 20% of the ocean's volume, comprising a large portion of the total biosphere. It hosts a diverse biological community that includes bristlemouths, blobfish, bioluminescent jellyfish, giant squid, and myriad other unique organisms adapted to live in a low-light environment. It features prominently in art and literature through depictions...

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