Mid-Ocean Ridges and Deep Ocean Trenches
Subduction
Process where one plate goes under another because one plate is denser than the other
Continental and Oceanic and Oceanic and Oceanic
Two ways subduction can take place and a trench can be formed
Submarine Valley
Another name for ocean trench
Plates move apart
As two plates move apart, magma rises from the ocean floor adding new ocean floor. Volcanoes and mid-ocean ridges can be formed this way
Plates move together
As two plates of different densities move together subduction takes place making the ocean floor smaller. Trenches and volcanoes can be formed this way
Ocean Trench
Deep sided canyon, deepest points on earth
Challenger Deep
Deepest place on earth
Puerto Rico Trench
Deepest trench in the Atlantic Ocean
Mariana Trench
Deepest trench in the Pacific Ocean; deepest trench in the world
90%
Percentage of the mid-ocean ridge system that lies in the deep ocean
Iceland
Place where the ridge rises above sea level
Continental Shelves and Volcanic Islands
Places where trenches can be found
James Cameron
Scientific explorer and film maker who explored the Challenger Deep
Hydrothermal Vents
Scientific name given to vents along a mid-ocean ridge where the super heated water shoots out from; these vents often shoot out thick, black smoke filled with chemicals
Mid-Ocean Ridge System
The most extensive chain of mountains on earth
Seafloor Spreading
The process of new seafloor being added at a mid-ocean ridge
Chemosynthesis
The process of ocean life along the mid-ocean ridge making their food by using chemicals from hydrothermal vents