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Discover the diverse landforms beneath the ocean surface, from continental shelves to abyssal plains, with underwater mountains and canyons. Learn how scientists explore the ocean depths using advanced technology.
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What are the features on the ocean floor? • Although the surface of the ocean is mostly flat, beneath the surface you would find features that look like mountains and valleys.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • An ocean basin is a large underwater area between continents.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Continental shelf- the ocean floor along the coast of a continent. • Here the ocean floor is covered by shallow water and gradually slopes down. • A continental shelf ends at the point where a sharp slope begins.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Continental slope- the sharp slope that ends the continental shelf
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Submarine canyon- a steep-sided valley in a continental slope. • Submarine Canyons often are found near the mouths of large rivers.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Continental rise- a gradual downward slope at the end of a continental slope.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Abyssal plain- a wide, flat area of ocean floor. Abyssal plains cover about 40% of the ocean floor.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Trenches- are the deepest parts of the ocean floor and are usually long and narrow.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Seamount- underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but stops before it reaches the surface of the ocean.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Mid-ocean ridges- underwater mountain ranges
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Rift valley- an indentation occurs along the top of the mid-ocean ridges.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Scientists can tell the depth of the ocean floor by sending sounds into the ocean and waiting for the echo to come back.
What are the features on the ocean floor? • Scientists use underwater vehicles to observe the ocean floor. • These vehicles may carry cameras, instruments to measure the underwater environment, or mechanical arms to gather samples.