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Surabhi SrivastavaAIR 56· 2023

Question Q.14DiscussGS1GS1

The configuration of the ocean floor provides essential information about the Earth's structure. Discuss the major features of the ocean floor and their significance in the study of oceanography. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Open scan (p.32)

Introduction

Oceanography is the study of the phenomena occurring in oceans as well as study of its features. The major features include - Significance in study of oceanography -

28 words

Main Body

The major features of ocean floor are -

At the divergent oceanic boundaries -

1Mid oceanic ridges

(Eg. Atlantic ridge

At the convergent oceanic-continental boundaries -

1Presence of trenches

(Eg. Mariana trench

At the convergent oceanic-oceanic boundaries -

1Presence of volcanic hotspots

(Eg. Pacific ring of fire - Hawaii hotspot

At the continental boundaries -

1Continental shelf

(Eg. Mexico, Chile

2Continental slope

At the abyss plains -

1Presence of guyots, seamounts.
1Help in identification of the type of movement of plate

(Eg. convergent-convergent

2Helps identifying the age of the phenomena by carbon dating .
3Similar features on either side of the oceanic ridge led to development of

sea floor spreading theory

4Identify geomorphic process happening inside the crust.

Further they also help in -

1Prediction of presence of type of mineral in ocean floors

(Eg. Polymetallic nodules

2Minerals at the continental shelf including natural gas exploration.

Owing to this importance Japan had taken up the project of seafloor mapping by 2030.

173 words7 paragraphs

Conclusion

These benefits render the problem of tradeoff between economic growth and environment. The solution lies in usage of advanced technology in exploration as done by USA.

26 words

Diagram

Cross-sectional diagram of ocean floor showing plate tectonics structure with labels for continental shelf, trench, mid-ocean ridge, and abyssal plains. Shows Plate 1, Plate 2, and Plate 3 boundaries.

  • Includes helpful diagram illustrating ocean floor features
  • Clear introduction defining oceanography
  • Comprehensive categorization of ocean floor features by boundary type
  • Real-world examples provided for each feature
  • Clear organizational structure
  • Explains practical significance of ocean floor features
  • Links to plate tectonics theory and evidence
  • Mentions contemporary applications and projects
  • Addresses environmental trade-offs
  • References advanced technology usage

Topper

Surabhi Srivastava

AIR 562023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient features of World's Physical Geography

Oceanography

Ocean Floor Features

Writing Stats

227

Total words

7

Paragraphs

formal, descriptive

Tone