1. The Ocean Basins

2. Three Major Oceans A B C
Atlantic
Indian
Pacific

3. Three Major Oceans
Atlantic – the shallowest ocean (3.3km average depth)
Indian – second shallowest ocean (3.8km average depth)
Pacific – the deepest ocean (3.9km average depth)

4. Small area of the ocean that is partially surrounded by land
What is a sea?
Small area of the ocean that is partially surrounded by land

5. Numerous seas – they are all considered part of an ocean
The Seven Seas 3 4 1 7 2 5 6
Numerous seas – they are all considered part of an ocean

6. Exploring our Oceans
Oceanography is the study of the physical characteristics, chemical composition and life forms of the ocean.

7. What are Submersibles?
Underwater research vessels
The Alvin
The Jason

8. SONAR
Important to help map ocean floor
Sound Navigation and Ranging

9. How SONAR works…
ocean surface
receiver
transmitter
ocean floor

10. Differences in the time it takes for the sound waves to leave the boat and then return tell scientists how deep the ocean bottom is.

11. Features of the Ocean Basins
Continental margin: portion of ocean made up of continental crust

12. Features of the Ocean Basins
continental shelf: flat part of continental margin covered by shallow ocean water
Formed by changes in sea level
Avg depth = 60 m

13. Features of the Ocean Basins
continental slope: boundary between continental crust and oceanic

14. Features of the Ocean Basins
submarine canyons: deep, v-shaped valley that cuts through shelf & slope

15. Features of the Ocean Basins
continental rise: wedge of sediments that separates slope from ocean floor

16. Features of the Ocean Basins
abyssal plain: large flat area on the ocean floor

17. Features of the Ocean Basins
seamount: underwater volcanic mountain (1000m)

18. Features of the Ocean Basins
guyot: a flat-topped submerged seamount

19. Features of the Ocean Basins
trench: deep narrow valleys along the edges of ocean floor
Marianas Trench in Pacific ocean is 36,000 ft deep (6mi) – deepest point

20. Features of the Ocean Basins
mid-ocean ridge: mountain range on ocean floor

21. Features of the Ocean Basins
rift valley: deep crevice in between mountain ranges

22. Features of the Ocean Basins
coral reef: limestone structures containing shells of animals that surround volcanic islands