Marine Biology: Chapter 2

From the textbook. The Sea Floor, pages 19-20,26,36-37

Ocean Basins

Massive bowl-shaped depressions on the Earth’s crust that hold the oceans and are formed by tectonic processes.

The 5 Oceans

The five major bodies of saltwater on Earth, including the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans.

How much of the Earth’s surface is made up of ocean

About 70%

Subduction Zones

Areas of the Earth's crust where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to ocean trench formation and significant geological activity.

The Ring of Fire

A major area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its volcanic activity and earthquakes, formed by subduction zones surrounding the Pacific Plate.

The Ring of Fire’s Importance

It is crucial for understanding tectonic activity, as it includes numerous active volcanoes and earthquake zones, impacting global geology and ecosystems.

The Formula for Density

Density=Mass/Volume

Hydrothermal Vents

When cold water seeps in cracks in ocean’s crust forming geysers and hot springs

Black Smoker

hottest type of vent, tall-chimney-like vent