Landforms

Unit Standards 5.E.3A.1 Construct how different landforms and surface features result from the location and movement of water on Earth’s surface through watersheds (drainage basins) and rivers. 5.E.3A.2 Develop and use models to describe and compare characteristics and locations of the landforms on continents with those on the ocean floor (including the continental self and slope, the mid ocean ridge, the rift zone, the trench, and the abyssal plain). 5.E.3B.1 Analyze and interpret data to describe and predict how natural processes (such as weathering, erosion, deposition, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, or storms) affect Earth’s surface.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Although the surface of the ocean is mostly flat, beneath the surface you would find features that look like mountains and valleys.

What are the features on the ocean floor? An ocean basin is a large underwater area between continents.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Continental shelf- the ocean floor along the coast of a continent. Here the ocean floor is covered by shallow water and gradually slopes down. A continental shelf ends at the point where a sharp slope begins.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Continental slope- the sharp slope that ends the continental shelf

What are the features on the ocean floor? Submarine canyon- a steep-sided valley in a continental slope. Submarine Canyons often are found near the mouths of large rivers.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Continental rise- a gradual downward slope at the end of a continental slope.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Abyssal plain- a wide, flat area of ocean floor. Abyssal plains cover about 40% of the ocean floor.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Trenches- are the deepest parts of the ocean floor and are usually long and narrow.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Seamount- underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but stops before it reaches the surface of the ocean.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Mid-ocean ridges- underwater mountain ranges

What are the features on the ocean floor? Rift valley- an indentation occurs along the top of the mid-ocean ridges.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Scientists can tell the depth of the ocean floor by sending sounds into the ocean and waiting for the echo to come back.

What are the features on the ocean floor? Scientists use underwater vehicles to observe the ocean floor. These vehicles may carry cameras, instruments to measure the underwater environment, or mechanical arms to gather samples.