The Ocean Floor: Structure and Process

The ocean floor is composed of different features like mountains, plains, and trenches, formed through geological processes such as volcanic activity and tectonic movements. The continental shelves are shallow areas near continents, while deep trenches and abyssal plains are found in the deep ocean. Underlying these features is the Earth's crust, which shifts and creates new formations. Processes like underwater volcanic eruptions and seafloor spreading continuously reshape the ocean floor, influencing ocean currents and marine life habitats. Understanding these structures helps scientists learn about Earth's geology, climate patterns, and the history of our planet.