[Question on features of Ocean Floor and their significance in study of Oceanography]
Introduction
The configuration of Ocean floor provides essential information about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth's structure.
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Main Body
Features of Ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography: The continental shelf has remains of the historic past like fossils, it also has submarine canyons and caves that can be used to reconstruct history of the ocean and the Earth. The Abyssal plains provide various uses for oceanography. It consists of features like sea mounts and rocks formed from volcanic activity in sea floor spreading. Sea floor spreading helps understand the tectonic plates of Earth. Mid oceanic ridges are formed. There tell us about the age of
The planet and plates. Paleomagnetic rocks near sea floor spreads tell us about the magnetic history of Earth. Deep trenches help us know about the interior of the earth. Hydrothermal vents and Abyssal plains contain polymetallic nodules and sulphides and gas hydrates. Oceans are also home to ocean currents that distribute heat and salinity throughout the Earth and influence the climate of the planet.
Conclusion
There is a need to understand the oceans better as only 5% of the ocean has been fully discovered. It is by protecting oceans, that we will 'protect the Earth' (Kunming declaration).
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Diagram
Two diagrams: First shows a cross-section of ocean floor from coast showing salinity increase and temperature decrease with depth, labeling coral reefs, continental shelf, submarine canyon, continental rise, abyssal plain. Second diagram shows ocean floor features including sea floor spreading, seamount, mid oceanic ridge/mountain, gas hydrates, polymetallic nodules, and islands.
- Good diagrammatic representation of ocean floor features
Anshul Bhatt
Physical Geography
Ocean Floor
Configuration of Ocean Floor
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