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Ocean Floor Topography and Structure

Description: This quiz assesses your knowledge of the topography and structure of the ocean floor, including features like continental shelves, slopes, abyssal plains, and mid-ocean ridges.
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: oceanography geology earth science
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the name of the gently sloping region that extends from the shoreline to the continental slope?

  1. Continental shelf

  2. Continental slope

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The continental shelf is the gently sloping region that extends from the shoreline to the continental slope. It is typically less than 200 meters deep and is formed by the accumulation of sediments.

What is the name of the steep slope that connects the continental shelf to the abyssal plain?

  1. Continental shelf

  2. Continental slope

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The continental slope is the steep slope that connects the continental shelf to the abyssal plain. It is typically between 200 and 2,000 meters deep and is formed by the erosion of the continental shelf.

What is the name of the flat, gently sloping region that covers most of the ocean floor?

  1. Continental shelf

  2. Continental slope

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The abyssal plain is the flat, gently sloping region that covers most of the ocean floor. It is typically between 4,000 and 6,000 meters deep and is formed by the accumulation of sediments.

What is the name of the underwater mountain range that runs through the center of the ocean basins?

  1. Continental shelf

  2. Continental slope

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The mid-ocean ridge is the underwater mountain range that runs through the center of the ocean basins. It is formed by the spreading of the ocean floor and is the site of new ocean crust formation.

What is the name of the deep, narrow valley that runs along the axis of the mid-ocean ridge?

  1. Continental shelf

  2. Continental slope

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Rift valley


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The rift valley is the deep, narrow valley that runs along the axis of the mid-ocean ridge. It is formed by the spreading of the ocean floor and is the site of new ocean crust formation.

What is the name of the process by which new ocean crust is formed at the mid-ocean ridge?

  1. Seafloor spreading

  2. Continental drift

  3. Plate tectonics

  4. Subduction


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new ocean crust is formed at the mid-ocean ridge. It is caused by the convection of the Earth's mantle, which pushes apart the tectonic plates.

What is the name of the process by which old ocean crust is destroyed at the subduction zones?

  1. Seafloor spreading

  2. Continental drift

  3. Plate tectonics

  4. Subduction


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Subduction is the process by which old ocean crust is destroyed at the subduction zones. It occurs when one tectonic plate moves beneath another tectonic plate.

What is the name of the deepest part of the ocean?

  1. Challenger Deep

  2. Mariana Trench

  3. Puerto Rico Trench

  4. Philippine Trench


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Challenger Deep is the deepest part of the ocean. It is located in the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean and is approximately 11,000 meters deep.

What is the name of the underwater canyon that cuts through the continental shelf and slope?

  1. Submarine canyon

  2. Continental shelf

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A submarine canyon is an underwater canyon that cuts through the continental shelf and slope. It is typically formed by the erosion of the continental shelf and slope by turbidity currents.

What is the name of the underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface?

  1. Seamount

  2. Guyot

  3. Abyssal hill

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A seamount is an underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface. It is typically formed by volcanic activity.

What is the name of the flat-topped underwater mountain that is formed by the erosion of a seamount?

  1. Seamount

  2. Guyot

  3. Abyssal hill

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A guyot is a flat-topped underwater mountain that is formed by the erosion of a seamount. It is typically found in the Pacific Ocean.

What is the name of the small, hill-like feature that covers the abyssal plain?

  1. Seamount

  2. Guyot

  3. Abyssal hill

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

An abyssal hill is a small, hill-like feature that covers the abyssal plain. It is typically formed by volcanic activity.

What is the name of the large, flat-topped underwater plateau that is formed by the accumulation of sediments?

  1. Seamount

  2. Guyot

  3. Abyssal plain

  4. Continental rise


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A continental rise is a large, flat-topped underwater plateau that is formed by the accumulation of sediments. It is typically found at the base of the continental slope.

What is the name of the underwater trench that is formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another?

  1. Subduction zone

  2. Oceanic trench

  3. Continental trench

  4. Mid-ocean ridge


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

An oceanic trench is an underwater trench that is formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another. It is typically found in the western Pacific Ocean.

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