Describe the differences between passive and active continental margins and how these features relate to plate tectonics

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Continental margins are shallow-water areas close to the continents and can either be classified as active or passive, depending on their proximity to plate boundaries. Passive margins are embedded within the interior of lithospheric plates and are therefore not in close proximity to any plate boundary. Passive margins usually have broad continental shelves, slopes, and rises. In contrast, active margins are associated with lithospheric plate boundaries and thus have a high degree of tectonic activity. Active margins can be either classified as convergent or transform depending upon how the plates are moving relative to each other.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences