Practice and Revision - Structure of the Ocean Floor
Let us practise and revise what we learned about structure of the ocean floor. The ocean floor has varied features like continental shelves,
Core concept
The continental shelf is a gently sloping, shallow extension of a continent under water, rich in marine life and resources.
How it works
The continental slope descends more steeply from the shelf to the deep ocean floor, marking the edge of the continent.
Why it matters
The abyssal plain is a flat, deep area of the ocean floor, covering large stretches of the deep ocean.
Key detail
Ocean trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean, formed where tectonic plates collide, like the Mariana Trench.
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Key diagram

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Quick notes
• Continental shelf: shallow, gently sloping extension.
• Rich in marine life, resources.
• Continental slope: steeper descent from shelf.
• Marks edge of the continent.
• Abyssal plain: flat, deep ocean floor area.
• Covers large ocean stretches.
• Ocean trenches: deepest ocean parts.
• Formed by tectonic plate collision.