Geology of the ocean floor

The ocean floor is primarily composed of a variety of geological features, including the continental shelf, deep ocean basins, mid-ocean ridges, and trenches. The continental shelf is a shallow area near coastlines, while deeper sections contain abyssal plains. Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges where tectonic plates pull apart, creating new ocean crust. In contrast, ocean trenches are formed where one plate sinks beneath another, leading to extreme depths. The ocean floor is also home to various sediments and minerals, shaped by processes like volcanic activity, erosion, and the accumulation of organic materials over time.