Whale Fall

deep ocean · ecosystems · decomposition

A sinking giant. When a whale dies, its enormous body sinks down to the deep ocean floor, usually more than 3,300 feet below the surface. This journey to the bottom is called a whale fall.

An underwater banquet. The whale carcass becomes a massive food source for thousands of deep-sea creatures like hagfish, crabs, and worms. A single whale fall can feed these animals for 10, 20, or even 30 years.

Its own ecosystem. Around each whale fall, a whole new community of ocean creatures springs up and thrives. Scientists discovered this amazing process in the late 1970s using underwater robots.

Different stages unfold. Scientists watch whale falls over time to see how the ocean floor community changes as the whale decomposes. They use submarines and remote cameras to study this slow, fascinating process.

Cooler water lasts longer. In very cold water, whale falls have been found at shallower depths and can take even longer to decompose. Scientists have even placed whale carcasses on the sea floor on purpose to study what happens.