Ocean Floor Parts

Front

What is the steep slope at the edge of the continental shelf?

Back

Continental slope: The steep slope that leads down from the continental shelf to the ocean floor.

Front

What are underwater volcanoes and mountains called?

Back

Seamounts or Mid-Ocean Ridge: Underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity.

Front

What is the flat land located on either side of the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

Abyssal plain: A flat area of the ocean floor that lies between the continental slope and the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

Where is the shallowest part of the ocean floor?

Back

Continental shelf: The area of the ocean floor that is closest to the shore and is shallow.

Front

What is an underwater mountain formed by a volcano?

Back

Seamount: A mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the water's surface.

Front

What is the longest mountain range in the world, located underwater?

Back

Mid-ocean ridge: A continuous mountain range that runs through the world's oceans.

Front

What is the deepest part of the ocean called?

Back

Trench: A deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor.

Front

What is the area of the ocean floor that is flat and very deep?

Back

Ocean basin: The deep, flat areas of the ocean floor.

Front

What is the term for the underwater land that is part of a continent?

Back

Continental shelf: The submerged border of a continent that extends into the ocean.

Front

What is the process by which oceanic plates move apart?

Back

Seafloor spreading: The process that creates new oceanic crust as tectonic plates move apart.