Ocean Floor Features

Front

What is the Continental Shelf?

Back

The Continental Shelf is the underwater land that extends from the edge of a continent to the ocean floor. It is shallow and rich in marine life.

Front

What is the Continental Slope?

Back

The Continental Slope is the steeply sloping area that connects the Continental Shelf to the deep ocean floor. It marks the transition from shallow to deep water.

Front

What is the Continental Rise?

Back

The Continental Rise is the area at the base of the Continental Slope where sediments accumulate, forming a gentle slope leading to the abyssal plain.

Front

What is an Abyssal Plain?

Back

An Abyssal Plain is a flat, deep area of the ocean floor, usually found at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters, covered with thick layers of sediment.

Front

What is a Trench in the ocean?

Back

A Trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, often formed by tectonic plate movements. The Mariana Trench is the deepest known trench.

Front

What type of organisms live on the Continental Shelf?

Back

Organisms that need lots of sunlight, such as corals, fish, and seaweeds, thrive in the shallow waters of the Continental Shelf.

Front

What is a Seamount?

Back

A Seamount is an underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity, rising from the ocean floor but not reaching the surface.

Front

What is the difference between a Ridge and a Trench?

Back

A Ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by tectonic activity, while a Trench is a deep valley in the ocean floor.

Front

What is the significance of the Continental Shelf?

Back

The Continental Shelf is important for fishing, oil drilling, and biodiversity, as it supports a wide variety of marine life.

Front

What is the Oceanic Trench?

Back

An Oceanic Trench is a deep, narrow area in the ocean floor where one tectonic plate is being pushed under another.