Continental Shelf- This is where the edges of the continents slope down from the shore into the ocean. The part of the continent located under the water is known as the continental shelf. The width of the shelf varies around the edges of the continents. Sometimes, the continental shelf can be very shallow, or it can be very deep. This is not the deepest part of the ocean, though!
Continental Slope- The steep slope where the contintental shelf drops to the bottom of the ocean floor. This is where the water in the ocean starts to get really deep!
Mid-Ocean Ridge- On the bottom of the ocean, there is a central ridge, or mountain range, that divides the ocean floor into two parts. These underwater volcanic mountains are known as the mid-ocean ridge.
Sea Mounts- Volcanic Mountains that are not formed on the mid-ocean ridge.
Rift Zone- A narrow trench located in the center of the highest part of the mid-ocean ridge. Underwater volcanic activity that adds mountains to either side of the mid-ocean ridge occurs at the rift zone.
Trenches- Steep-sided canyons and deep, narrow valleys in the bottom of the ocean. Ocean trenches are the deepest part of the ocean basin, and they are deeper than any valley found on land!
Ocean Basin- The ocean basin is located on either side of the mid-ocean ridge. It is made up of low hills and flat plains. Seamounts are generally formed on the ocean basin.
Abyssal Plain- The flat area of the ocean basin.
Continental Slope- The steep slope where the contintental shelf drops to the bottom of the ocean floor. This is where the water in the ocean starts to get really deep!
Mid-Ocean Ridge- On the bottom of the ocean, there is a central ridge, or mountain range, that divides the ocean floor into two parts. These underwater volcanic mountains are known as the mid-ocean ridge.
Sea Mounts- Volcanic Mountains that are not formed on the mid-ocean ridge.
Rift Zone- A narrow trench located in the center of the highest part of the mid-ocean ridge. Underwater volcanic activity that adds mountains to either side of the mid-ocean ridge occurs at the rift zone.
Trenches- Steep-sided canyons and deep, narrow valleys in the bottom of the ocean. Ocean trenches are the deepest part of the ocean basin, and they are deeper than any valley found on land!
Ocean Basin- The ocean basin is located on either side of the mid-ocean ridge. It is made up of low hills and flat plains. Seamounts are generally formed on the ocean basin.
Abyssal Plain- The flat area of the ocean basin.