Hadal Zones Used as Proxies for Alien Oceans

Researchers have recently determined that hadal zones in our planet's oceans can be used as proxies for how similar features may look like on alien worlds. Some of these locations may include the Jovian moon Europa or the Saturnine moon Enceladus.

Both these worlds are covered in thick ice, and are suspected of harboring a liquid ocean underneath this protective cover. If so, then conditions inside these oceans may resemble those in hadal zones on our planet, sections of the ocean located 11,000 meters (about 36,100 feet) under the surface.

Inside hadal zones, pressure exceeds 1,000 bars, and no light is present at any time. Plant life cannot possibly develop, and yet several species of microorganisms exist. This is very interesting to know, since it suggests that life may also be possible on these two distant moons.

Conducting expeditions to these areas of the oceans may help prepare human or robotic space explorers for conditions they will encounter on other worlds, Daily Galaxy reports.