Boise State University
Boise State University: Ocean Exploration: Abyssopelagic (Abyssal) Zone
Learn about the very cold, dark region of the ocean known as the abyss. Includes information on the origin of the name of this ocean zone, as well as information on its depth and animal life.
University of California
University of California, Santa Barbara/abyssal Hills
This article, published in Nature magazine, gives a detailed account of the abyssal plain feature called abyssal hills.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Interesting Facts About the Abyssal Zone
The Abyssal Zone lies deep in the ocean in the pelagic layer between 4,000 to 6,000 m or 13,000 to 19,500 ft. Learn about some of the unique life forms that call this zone their home, how they have adapted to the extreme pressure and...
US Navy
Office of Naval Reasearch: Ocean Floor
A comprehensive site that provides information on the characteristics of the ocean floor, continental margin and rise, deep ocean basin, and the mid-ocean ridge. A quick quiz follows at the end of this site.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Abyssal Zone
This in-depth resource discusses the abyssal zone of the ocean. Includes a diagram and many facts about this zone.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: The Ocean Floor
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart is about the geography of the ocean floor. It contains information about the continental shelf, continental slope, abyssal plain, and other ocean floor features. The flipchart contains...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Deep Sea Bestiary
This document from NOVA: "Into the Abyss" describes the physical and behavioral traits of some of the least-known and most unlikely creatures on Earth.
PBS
Pbs: Journey Into the Abyss
Go on an interactive journey to the Pacific Northwest Coastline. You will be able to view a black smoker chimney along with the scientist. GREAT SITE!
The Wild Classroom
The Wild Classroom: Biomes of the World: The Deep Sea Biome
Learn all about the abyssal ocean ecosystem. Find out about plants, animals, adaptations, and conservation efforts.
Other
Whitman College: Deep Sea Pages
Descriptions and pictures of creatures that live at abyssal depths and on the abyssal plains of the world ocean. Link to other sites.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Bathymetric Evidence for Seafloor Spreading
[Free Registration/Login Required] A site where students can label the features of the ocean floor such as: mid-ocean ridge, rift, and more. Also on the site is a short quiz about the different topography of the ocean floor.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Facts About the Marine Biome
Describes the characteristics of the marine biome, the plants and animals that live in each of the four ocean zones, coral reefs and estuaries, the climate of the marine biome, and the marine food web.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Bathymetry of the Marshall Islands
This map details the area around the Marshall Island seamounts. Seamounts are one of many features that are found in conjunction with abyssal plains.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Bathymetric Evidence for Seafloor Spreading
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes features of the seafloor and how they are mapped by echo sounding. It touches upon the continental margin as well.
Institute of Marine Science
Forsea: If I Can't See It, How Do I Know It's There?
A diagram showing features of the seafloor and a laboratory experiment involving a model of the seafloor highlight this site. This is a good resource for teachers as well.