In this episode of The Deep Dive, we plunge into the mysterious world of oceanic trenches, with a spotlight on the Mariana Trench and its legendary deepest point—Challenger Deep.

We begin by exploring how these vast underwater chasms form at convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic forces drive one lithospheric plate beneath another. It’s a dramatic process that shapes the very architecture of our planet.

Listeners will learn how scientists map these extreme depths using bathymetry—an evolving field that now relies on multi-beam sonar and autonomous deep-diving drones to create high-resolution images of the seafloor.

Then, we journey to Challenger Deep itself, the deepest known point on Earth. A recent expedition made history as the first person of African descent reached this remote abyss, marking a powerful moment for representation in science.

From geology to technology to human achievement, this episode uncovers the secrets buried seven miles beneath the waves—and the stories that rise from them. Dive in with us. The pressure’s intense, but the discoveries are profound.