Oceanography: Continental Shelves

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Questions and Answers

How does the presence of mountains along coastlines typically affect the development of continental shelves?

  • Mountain ranges cause continental shelves to be deeper due to tectonic activity.
  • Mountain ranges typically lead to narrower continental shelves due to steeper slopes and reduced sediment accumulation. (correct)
  • Mountain ranges can result in broader continental shelves due to increased sediment deposition.
  • Mountain ranges have very little impact on the width of continental shelves.

What is a primary distinction between a guyot and a seamount?

  • Guyots are flat-topped volcanic features, whereas seamounts are conical. (correct)
  • Guyots are made of sedimentary rock, while seamounts are composed of granite.
  • Guyots are located in trenches, while seamounts are found along mid-ocean ridges.
  • Guyots are formed by erosion, while seamounts are created by tectonic uplift.

Which factor most significantly contributes to the formation of submarine canyons?

  • The gradual accumulation of sediment over millions of years
  • The collapse of underwater volcanic structures
  • Tectonic subduction zones creating deep fissures
  • Erosion by turbidity currents or underwater rivers (correct)

How do plate movements at convergent boundaries directly influence the formation of oceanic trenches?

<p>They result in the subduction of one plate beneath another, creating deep depressions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major function of continental shelves regarding marine ecosystems and resources?

<p>Continental shelves support high biodiversity and are important for petroleum resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do sediments play in supporting ecosystems within coastal regions?

<p>Sediments provide habitats and act as a source of nutrients for various marine organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In oceanography, how are varying ocean depths typically represented on physical maps?

<p>Using different shades of blue, with darker shades indicating greater depth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geological processes are most responsible for the creation of volcanic islands along oceanic divergence zones?

<p>Upwelling of magma as tectonic plates move apart. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors influences the depth and characteristics of continental shelves?

<p>The angle of the slope and geographical location. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between tectonic plate boundaries and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity?

<p>Plate boundaries are zones where plate movements commonly trigger earthquakes and volcanic activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continental Shelf

The submerged edge of a continent, gently sloping and adjacent to the coastline.

Continental Slope

The steeper slope extending from the edge of the continental shelf down to the deep ocean floor.

Submarine Canyons

Underwater valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers.

Seamount

An isolated underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity.

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Guyot

Flat-topped seamounts, often formed by erosion when the seamount was at sea level.

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Oceanic Trenches

Long, narrow, deep depressions in the ocean floor, typically formed at subduction zones.

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Atoll

A ring-shaped coral reef or string of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.

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Abyssal Plains

Flat, deep ocean floor, typically between 3,000 and 6,000 meters deep.

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Mid-Oceanic Ridges

Underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics.

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Study Notes

Oceanography Introduction

  • Oceanography is a series for beginners in physical geography
  • Water is typically represented in different shades of blue on maps
  • Color variations on physical maps help in understanding ocean depths

Internal Structure of Oceans

  • Focus on understanding the internal structure of oceans and ocean basins
  • Includes understanding continental shelf areas

Continental Shelf

  • Ocean erosion shapes coastal landforms over time
  • Continental shelf formation processes involve understanding oceanographic concepts at varying depths
  • Ocean depth relates to continental extensions
  • Sediments in coastal regions support diverse ecosystems
  • Shelf areas are crucial for biodiversity and petroleum resources
  • Mountain formations affect continental shelf development
  • Coastal shelf formation relates to mountains

Continental Shelf Features

  • Shelf areas are prominent on the coast of Siberia, which has fewer mountains
  • Continental shelf depth varies based on slope angle and geographical location
  • Oceanic shelf variations have geographical significance
  • Sediment sources include glacial and river activities
  • Sediments and fossils shape oceanic landscapes
  • Ocean shelf formation is influenced by erosion and changes in gradient

Continental Slope

  • The continental slope and its significance are important in oceanography
  • Oceanic depth and the formation of oceanic trenches are key features

Plate Tectonics

  • Oceanic structures are formed through divergence and convergence processes
  • Earthquakes and volcanic activity are triggered by plate movements
  • Plate boundaries and features play a role in oceanography

Submarine Canyons

  • Submarine canyons are formed by fast-flowing rivers underwater
  • The Hudson Canyon is a key geographic feature with river mouth development

Oceanic Features

  • Oceanic divergence and volcanic activity shape island formation
  • Guyots are flat-topped seamounts
  • Sea mounts, islands, and coral reefs are key oceanographic features
  • Coral reefs are formed from calcium carbonate deposits in marine environments
  • Trenches and canyons are significant formation features
  • Understanding oceanic features and formation processes is crucial

Key Areas

  • Key oceanic features are near the Puerto Rico Trench

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