Compare the thickness of pelagic sediments in the Pacific Ocean to that of the Atlantic. What reasons
account for the differences? Using information from Chapter 4, would the type of margin have an
effect? Why or why not? What will be an ideal response?
ANS:Answer
should include:
? The sediments in the Atlantic Ocean are thicker than those found in the Pacific. The
Atlantic is approximately 1 kilometer thick and the Pacific is less than 0.5 kilometers
thick.
? There are a few reasons as to why sediments are thicker in the Atlantic. First, the
Atlantic is fed by more rivers than the Pacific. This results is that more terrigenous
sediment reaches the continental shelf. Also, the Atlantic has a smaller area for those
sediments to cover. Lastly, the Pacific Ocean has many trenches and topography that
traps sediments moving towards the basin.
? The type of margin can have an effect. Active margins, such as the Pacific, are
associated with more geological activity and subsequently more bathymetric features.
These features have an effect on how sediments get distributed.
? The Atlantic's passive margin is relatively flat. There are not as many bathymetric
features to trap sediments.
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