Image for ocean floors

ocean floors

Ocean floors, also known as the seafloor, are the bottom surfaces of the ocean and cover about 70% of Earth's surface. They consist of continental shelves (shallow regions near continents), deep trenches, mid-ocean ridges (underwater mountain ranges where new crust forms), and abyssal plains (flat areas). The ocean floor is shaped by tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and sediment accumulation. Despite being vast and less explored than land, it plays a vital role in Earth's geology, supporting diverse life, influencing climate, and hosting natural resources like minerals and hydrocarbons.