Ocean Floor Subdivisions and Features
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Which of the following is NOT one of the three broad subdivisions of the ocean floor?

  • Coastal plain (correct)
  • Abyssal plains
  • Continental shelf
  • Continental slope
  • 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.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _________ system is a broad, rugged, elevated feature on the ocean floor that forms a continuous belt that winds around the globe.

    <p>mid-ocean ridge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which portion of the continental margin is the steepest?

    <p>continental slope</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Materials deposited by turbidity currents contribute to the formation of _________.

    <p>deep sea fans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    This diagram represents a(n) ___________ continental margin.

    <p>active</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Earth-orbiting satellites can be used to map the ocean floor.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What instrument is used to map the topography of the ocean floor?

    <p>echo sounder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A deep narrow valley at the summit of the oceanic ridge is called a(n) _________.

    <p>rift valley</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Seamounts are steep-sided volcanic peaks on the ocean floor.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Deep-ocean trenches are associated with:

    <p>active continental margins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Abyssal plains are part of the continental margin.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Deep, steep-sided valleys found on the continental slope and rise are known as:

    <p>submarine canyons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Passive continental margins experience very little volcanic activity and few earthquakes.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The continental margins surrounding the Atlantic Ocean are primarily active continental margins.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At divergent plate boundaries ____________.

    <p>new lithosphere is forming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    New oceanic crust is created at divergent boundaries at a rate of about:

    <p>5 cm per year</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most divergent boundaries are located:

    <p>along oceanic ridges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these water bodies was once a rift valley?

    <p>Red Sea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The mechanism that has generated the floors of the world's oceans is called _________.

    <p>seafloor spreading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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