Ocean Floor Features

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What is the Continental Shelf?

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The Continental Shelf is a flat area of land located by the border of the continent that gradually extends into the water. It is the most shallow part of the ocean floor.

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What is the Continental Slope?

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The Continental Slope is the steeply sloping area of the ocean floor that connects the Continental Shelf to the deeper ocean floor.

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What is the Continental Rise?

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The Continental Rise is the area of the ocean floor that gently slopes away from the Continental Slope and is made up of sediments that have accumulated.

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What are Abyssal Plains?

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Abyssal Plains are flat, deep areas of the ocean floor that are found at depths of about 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

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What are Trenches?

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Trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean, formed by the subduction of tectonic plates.

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What is the Gulf Stream?

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The Gulf Stream is a strong current of warm water that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

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What is the difference between the Continental Shelf and the Continental Slope?

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The Continental Shelf is shallow and flat, while the Continental Slope is steep and connects the shelf to the deeper ocean.

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What is the significance of Abyssal Plains?

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Abyssal Plains are important for marine life as they provide a habitat for many organisms and are rich in nutrients.

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How do Trenches form?

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Trenches form at convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced under another.

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What role does the Gulf Stream play in climate?

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The Gulf Stream helps to regulate climate by transporting warm water, influencing weather patterns in the Atlantic Ocean.