Exploring the Marianas Trench: An Apocalypse Without Water

The concept of removing water from the Mariana Trench, one of the deepest points on Earth, is a fascinating yet daunting thought experiment. Would the drastic changes in conditions make it possible for us to traverse such a biome, or would the extreme pressures and temperatures render it inhospitable?

Pressure at the Bottom

If the water were magically removed from the Mariana Trench, the pressure at the bottom would be significantly higher than at sea level. The pressure at the bottom of the trench is estimated to be about 16 tons per square inch, or roughly four times the pressure at sea level. At a depth of approximately 36,000 feet (10,973 meters), the air pressure would be around 14.7 psi (atmospheres) multiplied by four, equating to about 58.8 psi. For context, the pressure at sea level is around 14.7 psi, which is often denoted as 1 atmosphere (1 atm).

Interestingly, humans have managed to live and work at depths where the pressure is around 10 atm, but only for short periods and in water environments. They breathe a mixture of oxygen and helium to avoid the dangers of nitrogen ingress into the blood. If we consider the trench empty, any attempt to breathe at such depths would quickly become a life-threatening endeavor without specialized equipment.

Temperature Considerations

The temperature at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, even without water, would likely be quite high. Estimates suggest that the temperature could reach around 200°C (392°F). This is due to the thermal energy from the Earth’s core and the immense pressure, which can generate significant heat. Underground mines can experience temperatures up to 120°F (approximately 49°C) at depths of only a mile or so. The Mariana Trench extends far deeper, pushing temperatures even higher.

Additionally, the seafloor and the surrounding environment are generally cold, with temperatures a few degrees Celsius above freezing. This means that in a vacuum-filled trench, the sudden withdrawal of water could expose the coldest parts of the trench, making it a frosty environment. The seafloor, however, would likely retain its coldness unless there was significant heat exchange or convection.

The Role of Solar Heating

Assuming that a magic force field is in place that keeps the water out but allows sunlight to penetrate, the temperature would gradually rise due to solar heating. Over time, the increased exposure to sunlight could warm the trench to more typical temperatures for that latitude. However, this process would take a considerable amount of time and would depend heavily on the size of the force field and the duration of the experiment.

Furthermore, even if a force field were to prevent the ingress of water, the absence of water itself would have significant implications. The trench is known for its muddy silt, which forms a unique and cold environment. Without water, the surface would likely become harder and potentially more barren, changing the ecological landscape of the trench entirely.

In conclusion, removing the water from the Mariana Trench would result in a harsh, high-pressure environment with temperatures that could reach dangerously high levels. The absence of water would also dramatically alter the ecological and physical conditions, creating a challenging and inhospitable environment for human exploration or survival.