Seafloor Features

Questions and Answers

What is an abyssal plain?

A steep incline of the ocean floor

A boundary between continental crust and oceanic crust

An isolated volcanic mount

A large, flat, almost level area of the deep-ocean basin (correct)

What defines a continental margin?

A boundary between continental crust and oceanic crust

What is a continental slope?

A steep incline of the ocean floor leading down from the edge of the continental shelf

What are guyots?

Flattened seamounts caused by erosion from waves and currents Signup and view all the answers

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Long chains of mountains on the ocean floors Signup and view all the answers

What are rift valleys?

Rifts located at the center of the ridges where magma flows in to fill the spaces Signup and view all the answers

What are submarine canyons?

Eroded by turbidity currents cutting into the rocks of continental shelves and slopes Signup and view all the answers

What are sea mounts?

Isolated volcanic mount Signup and view all the answers

What are trenches?

Deep ditches used in battle for cover against enemy gunfire Signup and view all the answers

What is a continental shelf?

A gently sloping, shallow area of the ocean floor that extends outward from the edge of a continent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seafloor Features

Abyssal Plain: Characterized as extensive, flat regions in deep-ocean basins, forming a significant part of the ocean floor.
Continental Margin: Serves as the demarcation line where continental crust transitions into oceanic crust, influencing geology and marine ecosystems.
Continental Slope: Represents a steep descent from the continental shelf to the deep ocean floor, impacting sedimentary processes and marine life.
Guyots: Recognized as seamounts that have been flattened due to wave and current erosion, indicative of geological processes over time.
Mid-Ocean Ridges: Feature extensive mountain ranges under the ocean, formed by tectonic activities and playing a vital role in seafloor spreading.
Rift Valleys: Found at mid-ocean ridges, these are zones where magma rises to fill the space created by tectonic divergence, contributing to ocean basin formation.
Submarine Canyons: Formed by turbidity currents that erode continental shelves and slopes, these canyons are key to understanding underwater sediment transport.
Sea Mounts: Defined as isolated underwater volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor, often hosting unique marine biodiversity.
Trenches: Deep-sea depressions formed by tectonic subduction, these features are among the deepest parts of the ocean and are critical for oceanographic studies.
Continental Shelf: A broad, gently sloping area adjacent to the continent, rich in marine resources and vital for fishing industries.

Description

Explore the various features of the ocean floor in this quiz. From abyssal plains to mid-ocean ridges, understand the geological processes shaping our oceans. Test your knowledge on the continental shelf, seamounts, and submarine canyons.