The Stages of Whale-Fall Ecosystems.

For the most part, the nutrients found in the depths are supplied by a steady steam of organic debris falling down from shallower waters. It's not much, but it tends to be enough to sustain the sparse and barren depths. But every now and then, something much larger sinks to the seabed. It draws life from miles around to gather for a feast to last for decades. It is known as a whale-fall.