Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT one of the three broad subdivisions of the ocean floor?
The two types of continental margins are passive and active.
True
On the ocean side of the continental shelf, the steep continental slope merges into a more gradual incline known as the _____________.
continental rise
Deep-ocean trenches are associated with passive continental margins.
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The _________ system is a broad, rugged, elevated feature on the ocean floor that forms a continuous belt that winds around the globe.
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Which portion of the continental margin is the steepest?
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Materials deposited by turbidity currents contribute to the formation of _________.
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This diagram represents a(n) ___________ continental margin.
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Earth-orbiting satellites can be used to map the ocean floor.
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What instrument is used to map the topography of the ocean floor?
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A deep narrow valley at the summit of the oceanic ridge is called a(n) _________.
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Seamounts are steep-sided volcanic peaks on the ocean floor.
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Deep-ocean trenches are associated with:
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Abyssal plains are part of the continental margin.
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Deep, steep-sided valleys found on the continental slope and rise are known as:
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Passive continental margins experience very little volcanic activity and few earthquakes.
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The continental margins surrounding the Atlantic Ocean are primarily active continental margins.
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At divergent plate boundaries ____________.
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New oceanic crust is created at divergent boundaries at a rate of about:
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Most divergent boundaries are located:
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Which of these water bodies was once a rift valley?
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The mechanism that has generated the floors of the world's oceans is called _________.
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Study Notes
Ocean Floor Subdivisions
- Coastal plains are not a subdivision of the ocean floor.
- Main subdivisions of the ocean floor include continental margins, ocean basins, and the oceanic ridge.
Continental Margins
- Two types of continental margins: passive and active.
- Steepest portion of the continental margin is the continental slope.
- Active continental margins are associated with deep-ocean trenches and volcanic activity.
Ocean Floor Features
- The continental slope merges into the continental rise, which shows a more gradual incline.
- The mid-ocean ridge is a significant feature, forming a continuous underwater mountain belt.
- Deep-sea fans are formed by materials deposited from turbidity currents.
- Submarine canyons are steep-sided valleys found on the continental slope and rise.
Mapping the Ocean Floor
- Earth-orbiting satellites can effectively map the ocean floor.
- Echo sounders are instruments specifically used to map the ocean floor's topography.
Geologic Phenomena
- A rift valley is a deep narrow valley found at the summit of the oceanic ridge, indicating divergent plate boundaries.
- Seamounts are defined as steep-sided volcanic peaks located on the ocean floor.
- New oceanic crust forms at divergent boundaries at a rate of approximately 5 cm per year.
Rift Valleys and Oceanic Changes
- The Red Sea is an example of a body of water that was previously a rift valley.
- Seafloor spreading is the mechanism responsible for generating the ocean floor, contributing to new lithosphere formation.
Abyssal Plains
- Abyssal plains are not part of the continental margin; they are flat regions of the ocean floor.
Volcanic Activity and Earthquakes
- Passive continental margins generally exhibit little volcanic activity and experience few earthquakes.
- Continental margins surrounding the Atlantic Ocean are primarily passive, not active.
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Description
Explore the different subdivisions and features of the ocean floor in this quiz. Learn about continental margins, ocean basins, and significant structures like the mid-ocean ridge and submarine canyons. Test your knowledge on how oceanographers map the ocean floor using advanced technology.
