The world of manga has given us countless imaginative and captivating settings, but few have captured readers’ imaginations quite like the Abyss from Made in Abyss Manga. This mysterious, vertically-oriented world has enthralled fans with its unique ecosystem, dangerous creatures, and the promise of untold wonders in its depths. But could such a place exist in our world? Let’s dive deep into the science behind the Abyss and explore whether a similar environment could potentially exist in reality.
Understanding the Abyss
Before we delve into the scientific possibilities, let’s recap what makes the Abyss so fascinating. In the manga, the Abyss is a colossal, seemingly bottomless pit discovered on an island. It’s divided into several layers, each with its own distinct environment, flora, and fauna. As explorers descend deeper, they encounter increasingly bizarre and dangerous creatures, as well as mysterious artifacts known as Relics.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Abyss is the “Curse of the Abyss,” a phenomenon that affects humans ascending from its depths. The effects become more severe the deeper one goes, ranging from nausea and dizziness in upper layers to loss of humanity or death in the lower reaches.
Geological Possibilities
While a massive, inhabited pit extending deep into the Earth might seem far-fetched, our planet does have some intriguing geological features that share similarities with the Abyss.
Sinkholes and Cave Systems
The closest real-world analogues to the Abyss might be large sinkholes or extensive cave systems. The Xiaozhai Tiankeng, or “Heavenly Pit,” in China is one of the world’s largest sinkholes, measuring 2,100 feet deep and 2,100 feet wide at its widest point. While not nearly as vast as the Abyss in “Made in Abyss Manga,” it gives us an idea of the scale that natural vertical formations can reach.
Cave systems like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, which extends for over 400 miles, demonstrate that vast underground networks can indeed exist. These caves often have distinct layers with unique ecosystems, similar to the layers of the Abyss.
Subterranean Biomes
Recent scientific discoveries have revealed that life can thrive in seemingly inhospitable underground environments. The Movile Cave in Romania, sealed off from the outside world for millions of years, harbors a unique ecosystem based on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. This demonstrates that life can adapt to extreme conditions, much like the creatures in the deeper layers of the Abyss.
Atmospheric and Pressure Considerations
One of the key scientific challenges in creating a real-life Abyss would be dealing with atmospheric pressure and composition as depth increases.
Pressure Changes
In reality, atmospheric pressure increases with depth. This is why deep-sea divers need specialized equipment to withstand the crushing pressures of the ocean depths. For a vertical structure like the Abyss to exist, there would need to be some mechanism to regulate pressure or for life to adapt to extreme pressure changes.
Air Composition
Another factor to consider is air composition. In deep caves and mines, air can become depleted of oxygen and enriched with other gases like carbon dioxide or methane. For the Abyss to support life at various depths, there would need to be a way to circulate and replenish breathable air throughout its layers.
The “Curse of the Abyss” – A Scientific Perspective
While the “Curse of the Abyss” might seem purely fantastical, there are some real-world phenomena that could potentially explain similar effects.
Decompression Sickness
The symptoms experienced by characters ascending from the Abyss bear some resemblance to decompression sickness, also known as “the bends.” This condition affects divers who ascend too quickly from high-pressure environments, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the bloodstream and tissues. While not as severe or fantastical as the Curse of the Abyss, it demonstrates how rapid pressure changes can affect the human body.
Exotic Particle Exposure
To explain the more extreme effects of the Curse, we might need to venture into more speculative science. Exposure to exotic particles or unknown forms of radiation could potentially cause severe biological effects. While purely hypothetical, this concept allows us to imagine how a phenomenon like the Curse could potentially exist in a scientifically grounded world.
Technological and Cultural Implications
If a structure like the Abyss were to exist in our world, it would have profound implications for technology, culture, and society.
Exploration Technology
The challenges of exploring such a vast vertical structure would drive innovation in areas like pressure-resistant materials, life support systems, and communication technologies. We might see the development of specialized vehicles and equipment designed for vertical exploration, much like the various tools and robots used by Cave Raiders in the manga.
Cultural Impact
The discovery of an Abyss-like structure would likely reshape human culture and society. We might see the rise of organizations dedicated to its exploration and study, similar to the various groups in “Made in Abyss Manga.” The promise of valuable artifacts or resources in its depths could drive economic and political changes on a global scale.
The Abyss of Imagination
While current scientific knowledge suggests that a structure exactly like the Abyss in madeinabyss.me is unlikely to exist in our world, many of its individual elements have real-world analogues or theoretical foundations. The true genius of the manga lies in how it combines these elements into a cohesive, captivating world that pushes the boundaries of our imagination.
As manga fans, we can appreciate how series like “Made in Abyss Manga” blend scientific concepts with fantastical elements to create unique and engaging stories. They challenge us to think about the possibilities that might exist in the unexplored corners of our world and beyond.
What aspects of the Abyss fascinate you the most? Do you think humanity will ever discover anything close to it in the real world? Share your thoughts and experiences with “Made in Abyss Manga” in the comments below!
