A whale fall occurs when the carcass of a whale has fallen onto the ocean floor, typically at a depth greater than 1,000 m (3,300 ft), putting them in the bathyal or abyssal zones. [1]

When whales die and sink, their carcasses — known as whale falls — provide a bounty of nutrients for deepwater creatures. During a 2019 expedition, researchers discovered a whale fall at 10,623 feet …

Jan 31, 2025 · Whale falls, when a whale passes away and its carcass falls to the seafloor, are part of the natural cycle of life and death. This sudden presence of rich, organic material can feed …

When whales die, their giant bodies usually sink to the seafloor and begin a new life, nourishing an entire ecosystem of deep sea creatures.

Jan 18, 2021 · Once a whale dies, it may float at or near the ocean’s surface for a few days due to gas buildup, but eventually the carcass sinks, carried by ocean currents and often landing in the deep …

One of the most important components of this ecosystem is the whale fall, which occurs when the carcass of a whale sinks to the ocean floor. The whale fall creates a rich and complex habitat that …

Deceased whales do not float on the surface of the water as some lighter and smaller creatures might; they sink or “fall” to the bottom of the ocean floor. Once there, their bodies decompose, becoming an …

Jan 14, 2025 · Whale fall is an extraordinary ecological event that plays a pivotal role in deep-sea ecosystems. When a whale carcass sinks to the ocean floor, it creates a temporary but nutrient-rich …

When a whale dies, the story has just begun. The massive carcass sinks to the seafloor, where it provides food for a deep sea ecosystem on the otherwise mostly barren seafloor. There are several …

Nov 4, 2025 · One of the most intriguing phenomena that sustains life in these dark and pressure-laden environments is the whale fall. When a whale dies and its massive body sinks to the seafloor, it …