Questions and Answers
What are the eight main features of the ocean floor?
What is a continental shelf?
An underwater plain between a continent and the deep ocean that slowly slopes.
What is a continental slope?
A steep underwater slope that reaches from the edge of the continental shelf to the continental rise.
What is a continental rise?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an abyssal plain?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a mid-ocean ridge?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an ocean trench?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a seamount?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a volcanic island?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Main Features of the Ocean Floor
- Eight primary features include: continental shelf, continental slope, continental rise, abyssal plain, mid-ocean ridge, ocean trench, seamount, and volcanic island.
Continental Shelf
- A submerged plain located between a continent and the ocean, characterized by a gentle slope.
- Acts as an extension of the continental landmass beneath the sea.
Continental Slope
- A steep underwater gradient extending from the edge of the continental shelf down to the continental rise.
- Marks the transition to deeper ocean areas.
Continental Rise
- A gently sloping area located between the continental slope and abyssal plain.
- Acts as a sediment accumulation zone.
Abyssal Plain
- Flat, vast regions on the deep ocean floor, often found at the base of continental rises.
- Considered one of the most level and smooth zones on Earth.
Mid-Ocean Ridge
- A significant underwater mountain range formed by tectonic activity at divergent plate boundaries.
- Plays a crucial role in the process of seafloor spreading.
Ocean Trench
- A deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor located at subduction zones.
- Represents some of the deepest parts of the Earth's oceans.
Seamount
- An underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity, rising from the ocean floor.
- Not tall enough to emerge above sea level.
Volcanic Island
- Landforms created by volcanic activity that were once seamounts.
- Can emerge above the ocean surface, often becoming prominent land masses.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the various features of the ocean floor with this informative quiz. Learn about the distinct characteristics such as the continental shelf, abyssal plain, mid-ocean ridge, and more. Perfect for students interested in marine geography and oceanography.
