2.) Describe abyssal plains and their origin. In the figure above, letter llustr
ID: 290721 • Letter: 2
Question
2.) Describe abyssal plains and their origin. In the figure above, letter llustrates an abyssal plain. 3.) Are the continental margins surrounding the Atlantic Ocean primarily active or passive? How about the margins surrounding the Pactfic Ocean? Based on your response to the previous questions, is the Atlantic Ocean getting larger, shrinking or staying the same. What about the Pacific? Part II - Ocean Water and Ocean Life 4.) Using the figure below, select the letter that identifies each of the following marine life zones. a. Euphotik Zone: b. Neritk Zone: c Apbotic Zone: d. Abyssal Zone: e. Photic Zone: f. Pelagic Zone:Explanation / Answer
2) The ocean floor is divided into a Continental Shelf, Continental Slope, Continental rise and the abyssal plains. At the end of the continental slope, there lies a slightly elevated zone of the floor called the continental rise which ultimately leads to the deep sea floor at a depth of around 3000-6000 metres called the abyssal plains. The abyssal plains cover 50% of the Earth 's surface and have very few organisms. From here rises the sea mounts with peaks of variable heights. There are flat topped seamounts which are called guyots. The abyssal plains are the flattest and the least explored regions on Earth. The sediments found here are mostly chemical precipitates, volcanic ashes or meteoritic fragments occasionally.
The abyssal plains are mainly created as a result of the sea floor spreading along the mid oceanic ridges and the consequent melting of the oceanic crust.
In the given figure, letter E illustrates an abyssal plain
3) The Continental margins surrounding the Atlantic ocean are passive continental margins. The margins surrounding the Pacific ocean are active continental margins.
The Atlantic is an example of a passive continental margin which means it is a transitional zone where the oceanic and the continental lithosphere lies within the same lithospheric plate. This area is tectonically inactive or stable where huge sedimention occurs and it is divided into a continental shelf, Continental Slope, Continental rise and the abyssal plains. The upwelling mantle at the mid oceanic ridges creates new lithosphere. Thus it is a constructive plate margin where new lithosphere is being created and so the Atlantic is getting larger.
On the other hand, the Pacific presents an example of an active continental margin, which means it is tectonically very active and the site of many volcanic activity and earthquakes. Generally found at the leading edge of a continent, subduction occurs along an active continental margin and one plate is thrusted into another plate. Thus, it is a destructive plate boundary where materials are being destroyed and as a result the Pacific is shrinking.
4) Euphotic Zone: F
Neritic zone : C
Aphotic Zone: A
Abyssal Zone: E
Photic Zone: G
Pelagic Zone: B
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