The oceans, like the continent, have relief, that is, irregularities on the surface. The study of underwater relief only began in the mid-nineteenth century, however, the search with greater results it only occurred after the 40s, when technologies and techniques existed for a better understanding of information collected.
From several researches it was found that at the bottom of the oceans there are several forms of relief, but the main ones are:
- Continental plateau: it corresponds to a transition zone between the continental mass and the ocean floor, the slope between the points is modest, the relief is 70 kilometers and 200 meters deep.
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- Oceanic Islands: they are small tracts of emerged land that form at the bottom of the oceans and outcrop on the surface.
- Continental slope: area of very narrow high slope, this type of relief starts at a depth of 200 meters and can reach approximately 2000 meters.
- Ocean basin: sedimentary area that is found in deep regions of the ocean with depth that varies between 2,000 and 5,000 meters and smooth relief.
- Marine trenches: deep areas of the oceans that can reach 8,000 meters.
- Ocean chains: The largest mountain ranges in the world are located on the ocean floor.
By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FREITAS, Eduardo de. "Underwater relief"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/relevo-submarino.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
