What is a continental margin? What are the differences between active and passive margins? Include
alternative names for the margins and the plate boundaries associated with each. What will be an ideal response?
ANS:Answer
should include:
? Continental margins are the outer edges of the continents. These are heavily influenced
by plate tectonics.
? There are three divisions of continental margins. The continental shelf is the shallow,
relatively flat section that is close to shore. The continental slope is the more steep
section of the margin that goes seaward. The last division is the continental rise which
blends the continental margin into the deep-ocean basins.
? Active margins are associated with converging plate boundaries. There is high
earthquake and volcanic activity at these margins. This type of margin generally has a
narrow shelf with varying topography. These are often called Pacific-type margins due
to their common occurrence in the Pacific.
? Passive margins occur at diverging plate boundaries. There is a broad shelf with a gentle
slope. They are also called Atlantic-type margins. There is very little earthquake and
volcanic activity at these locations.
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