Marine Science Chapters

2.3.0

Marine Geology

by Genevieve (Genny) Anderson, Biological Sciences Department, Santa Barbara City College

Seawater

The forces that shape the bottom of the ocean are unique to planet Earth. It was through the discovery of the shape and composition of the bottom of the ocean that one of the main geological principles involved with Earth's formation was confirmed. This principle is called 'Plate Tectonics' and is the basis for how we understand and interpret much of the surface of Earth - not only the marine areas but the terrestrial areas as well. This lesson will first focus on Plate Tectonics and then will examine the Bottom of the Ocean, as it is today, in closer detail.


Rocky Beach Plate Tectonics


The Bottom of the Ocean




 Copyright and Credits
(Revised 6 August 2007)
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