ocean floor

The ocean floor, also called the seafloor, is the solid surface that forms the bottom of the world's oceans. It consists of varied landscapes, including deep trenches, underwater mountain ranges called mid-ocean ridges, flat abyssal plains, and underwater volcanic seamounts. The ocean floor is covered in sediments, from tiny particles to larger deposits, and hosts diverse ecosystems like hydrothermal vents. It plays a crucial role in Earth's geology, influencing plate tectonics and Earth’s climate. Despite being less explored than land, the ocean floor is vital for understanding our planet's history, climate, and marine life.