Mariana Trench: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 3, 2026

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Photos

Labeled geological cross-section diagram of the Mariana Arc, showing island arc, Mariana Trench, Pacific Plate, old ocean crust, and crustal spreading zones.

Colorful soft corals and sponges cover the summit of the East Diamante submarine volcano in the Mariana Trench, with several orange and yellow fish swimming among the reef.

U.S. Navy bathyscaphe Trieste

Map of the western Pacific Ocean highlighting the location of the Mariana Trench, shown as an orange curved line east of the Mariana Islands and Guam. The map includes surrounding countries such as Japan, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the Federated States of Micronesia, with major oceanic and sea regions labeled.

Mariana forearc: Northwest Eifuku volcano

Deepsea Challenger

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Topics

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