The Cariaco Trench

The Cariaco Trench is the world's largest oceanic anoxic basin with a high concentration of nutrients, releasing quantities of CO2 from regions of the Atlantic, a submarine depression located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela.

It has an approximate extension of 160 km long and 70 km.2 wide, the maximum recorded depth is 1435 m in its centre located at 10°30' N and 64°40' W.

The Cariaco Trench has been the subject of scientific study due to its importance for the understanding of oceanic processes and palaeoceanography.

Research has been carried out in the area to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the water, as well as to study the sediments deposited on the seabed.

One of the highlights of the Cariaco Trench is the presence of a minimal oxygen layer in the water at intermediate depths.

This layer, known as the zone of minimum oxygen concentration, has been studied to understand the biogeochemical processes occurring in marine environments.

In addition, sediments deposited at the bottom of the trench contain important palaeoceanographic records.

Scientists have used these sediments to reconstruct the climatic and environmental history of the region, as well as to study changes in ocean circulation and biological productivity over time.

It is one of the most impressive places I have had the pleasure of visiting and exploring.