Oceanic Landforms and Features

Front

What is an ocean trench?

Back

An ocean trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, often formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another.

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What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is an abyssal plain?

Back

An abyssal plain is a flat, deep area of the ocean floor, typically found at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

Front

What is a continental shelf?

Back

A continental shelf is the underwater land that extends from a continent, typically shallow and rich in marine life.

Front

What causes earthquakes in the ocean?

Back

Earthquakes in the ocean are often caused by tectonic plate movements, especially at plate boundaries.

Front

What is an island?

Back

An island is a landform surrounded by water on all sides, which can be found in oceans, seas, and lakes.

Front

What is a rift?

Back

A rift is a linear zone where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, often leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.

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 ocean floor made of?

Back

The ocean floor is primarily made of basalt rock, sediment, and various marine deposits.

Front

What is a volcanic island?

Back

A volcanic island is formed from volcanic activity, where lava erupts and builds up above sea level.