Question

Explain the relief features of the ocean floor.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• List the relief features of the ocean floor.
• Explain them in detail.

Solution:

• The ocean floor is divided into four major sections based on its characteristics. They are as follows.
• Continental Shelf: This is the shallow area near the sea coast. This area is bounded on one side by the sea coast and on the other by the continental slope. The continental shelf has an average depth of 100 fathoms (1 fathom is equal to 6 ft). The depth of the sea gradually increases towards the continental slope in this region. The continental shelf is essential for fishing, aquaculture, navigation, and mineral extraction.
• Continental slope: The second section of the ocean floor is extremely steep. It connects the deep sea plain to the continental shelf. Submarine canyons are a unique characteristic of this area.
• Deep sea plain: This is the vast plain found at the sea floor's bottom. The deep sea plain, also known as the 'abyssal plain,' covers the majority of the ocean floor. Sea mounts and Guyots can be found in this area.
• Ocean deeps: The ocean deeps are also known as ‘ocean trenches’. These are the deepest part of the ocean floor.