Tectonic plates are big pieces of the Earth's surface that are always moving. This movement changes the shape of the ocean floor over time. Here are some important things I have noticed about this:
Rift Zones: When tectonic plates pull apart, they create rift valleys. These valleys can get deeper and wider, making the ocean even bigger.
Subduction Zones: In these areas, one plate goes down below another plate. This forms deep ocean trenches and can even create volcanic islands.
Mid-Ocean Ridges: When plates move away from each other, they make new ocean crust. This process can form underwater mountain ranges.
These movements not only change the shape of the ocean floor but also affect the types of plants and animals that live there. They even change how ocean currents flow, which makes studying the ocean really exciting!
Tectonic plates are big pieces of the Earth's surface that are always moving. This movement changes the shape of the ocean floor over time. Here are some important things I have noticed about this:
Rift Zones: When tectonic plates pull apart, they create rift valleys. These valleys can get deeper and wider, making the ocean even bigger.
Subduction Zones: In these areas, one plate goes down below another plate. This forms deep ocean trenches and can even create volcanic islands.
Mid-Ocean Ridges: When plates move away from each other, they make new ocean crust. This process can form underwater mountain ranges.
These movements not only change the shape of the ocean floor but also affect the types of plants and animals that live there. They even change how ocean currents flow, which makes studying the ocean really exciting!