The deep trenches represent “white spots” on our global ocean maps - we have virtually no knowledge on the biogeochemistry or biota in these remote areas. Trenches reaching hadal water depths cover around 1% of the global ocean, but they represent unique habitats and may be unequally important as sites of intensified carbon cycling.
In December 2010 we carried out an expedition (RV Yokosuka YK 10-16) to the deepest site on Earth – Challenger Deep. Main aims of this study were 1) quantifying carbon degradation and preservation rates in the sediment and 2) Metagenomic characterisation of the prokaryote, and virus communities.
For further information see also MPI press release