-
continental shelf
the gradually sloping end of a continent that extends under the ocean
-
continental slope
ocean basin feature that dips steeply down from the continental shelf
-
abyssal plain
flat seafloor area from 4000 m to 6000 m below the ocean surface, formed by the deposition of sediments
-
trench
a long narrow steep sided depression where one crustal plate sinks beneath another
-
photosynthesis
food makng process using light energy from the sun, carbon dioxide, and water
-
chemosynthesis.
food making process using sulfur or nitrogen compounds, rather that light energy from the sun, that is used by bacteria living near hydrothermal vents
-
plankton
marine organisms that drift in ocean currents
-
nekton
marine organisms that actively swim in the ocean
-
benthos
marine plants and animalsthat live on or in the ocean floor
-
estuary
an area where the mouth of a river opens into an ocean
-
reef
a rigid wave resistant structure built by corals from skeletal material
-
pollution
the introduction of harmful waste products,chemicals, and other substances not native to an enviroment
|
|
