Chapter 3 Content Quiz

Hydrothermal vents are seafloor cold seeps with high concentrations of sulfur and salts.

False

Which of the following best describes turbidity currents?

Underwater avalanches of muddy water mixed with rocks and other debris

Submarine canyons were most likely formed by:

erosion by turbidity currents.

A sediment-laden current that flows off of the continental shelf is called a turbidity current.

false

With respect to mid-ocean ridges, transform faults are:

located perpendicular to the ridge axis.

Bathymetry is the measurement of:

ocean depths.

Which passive continental margin province is located at the foot of the margin?

rise

All of the following are true of corals except

they secrete silica reefs for protection.

One characteristic of hydrothermal vent communities is the unusually large size of organisms such as tubeworms and clams.

true

The East Pacific Rise has a faster rate of spreading than the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

true

Greater than 50 coral genera are supported on which side of the ocean basins?

western

Which region of the ocean supports the greatest abundance and diversity of corals?

40o N to 40oS

Which of the following species is not associated with hydrothermal vent communities?

Branching corals

Why does the hypsometric curve show two broad flat areas, one at about 840 m above sea level and another at about 3740 m below sea level?

These two levels represent average continent and ocean heights resulting from isostasy