Term
|
Definition
| The wide, flat part of the ocean lying between the continental margins and mid-ocean ridges. |
|
|
Term
| Continental Shelf [image] |
|
Definition
| The shallowest part of a continental margin that extends out into the ocean from the shore. |
|
|
Term
| Continental Slope [image] |
|
Definition
| An area that drops off rapidly to the ocean basin from the edge of the continental shelf. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An area at the foot of the continental slope, created from the accumulation of sediments deposited by turbidity currents. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A deep gully carved in the continental shelf and continental slope by turbidity currents. |
|
|
Term
| Tectonic Processes[image] |
|
Definition
| The movements of Earth’s tectonic plates as they float over Earth’s molten layers. |
|
|
Term
| Turbidity Currents[image] |
|
Definition
| A fast-moving underwater landslide caused by the sudden collapse of sediment built up along the continental slope. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A large amount of ocean water that moves, almost like a river, in a particular direction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Microscopic plants and animals that are an essential food source for all other organisms in the ocean. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Large, rolling ocean waves. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The daily cycle of the rise and fall of ocean water. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A great ocean wave created by an underwater earthquake. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One of the forces that cause ocean surface currents to move. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The weather characteristics for a specific region averaged over a long time period. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process of heat transfer through the flow of a heated substance such as air or water. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A warm ocean current that develops each year off the coast of Ecuador and Peru, sometimes producing unusual weather in many parts of the world. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of how long it takes for a material to heat up or cool down. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Colder- than-normal water coming to the surface off the coast of South America due to upwelling. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The condition of the atmosphere at a given time. |
|
|
Term
| Continental Margins[image] |
|
Definition
| The part of continents that lies under the ocean and includes the continental shelf, the continental slope, and the continental rise. |
|
|
