Bathyal zone

The Bathyal zone corresponds to the deep zone of the continental slope and its rise, between the edges of the continental shelf (-200 metres; circalittoral zone) and the beginning of the abyssal plains (-2,000 to -4,000 metres; abyssal zone).

Description of the bathyal zone

This zone is characterised by the absence of light and a steep slope with embedded underwater canyons and valleys, down which continental sediment slides.

The wildlife in this zone is divided into benthic fauna, essentially detritivore, and bathypelagic fauna.