Over the Edge: Exploring the Deep Ocean Floor
Scientists have made great progress in their efforts to map the deepest parts of the ocean. But even with all the new technology that's available, our knowledge and understanding of the deep ocean is far from complete. In fact, we know more about th...
Over the Edge: Hydrothermal Vents
Hydrothermal vents were discovered in 1977. They are sometimes characterized as deep ocean hot springs found thousands of feet beneath the surface. Hydrothermal vents are of great interest because of their circulation processes, as well as for the u...
Over the Edge: Continental Margins
The continental margin is the submerged outer edge of a continent. Comprised of granitic crust, the continental margin includes the continental shelf and continental slope.
Over the Edge: Undersea Volcanic and Tectonic Activity
For large stretches the deep ocean basin is flat. But seamounts, guyots, island arcs and trenches, all of which result at least in part from tectonic activity, break up the sameness.
Over the Edge: Submarine Canyons
A submarine canyon is a steep, V-shaped valley that cuts across the edge of the continental shelf and slope. It acts as a funnel, carrying sediment down to the abyssal plain.
World in Motion: Seamounts, Guyots and Island Arcs
Seamounts, guyots and island arcs form on the ocean floor as a result of a hot spot or mantle plume. While seamounts do not extend above the ocean surface, a guyot is tall enough to be eroded by wave activity and therefore has a flat top. An island ...