abyssal plain

American  

[uh-bis-uhl pleyn] / əˈbɪs əl ˈpleɪn /

noun

1. Oceanography. any of various large, level areas of the ocean floor, occurring at depths of more than 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and covered with a thick layer of sediment.

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Etymology

Origin of abyssal plain

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The great advantage the world has as it decides how to proceed with mining on the abyssal plain is that regulation is being made before the industry has started, Dr Glover said.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2024

The CCZ is a vast abyssal plain slightly larger than the European Union, situated between Mexico and Hawaii, dotted with rocky outcrops and seamounts.

From Scientific American • Aug. 15, 2023

Seafloor spreading centers often contain magma reservoirs at such relatively shallow depths, but Devey says it was surprising to find magma at this depth under an abyssal plain.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 15, 2021

Standing on a ridge several thousand feet underwater, peering out to the ocean’s abyssal plain, you would see almost nothing.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2020

Abyssal sedimentary rocks form on the abyssal plain.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017