Ocean Exploration Vocabulary

Unit C, Chapter 3

Continental Shelf• The shallow part

of the ocean at the edge of the continents

Continental Slope• The edge of the

continental shelf that extends steeply downward to the ocean floor.

Ocean Basin• The floor of

the deep ocean

Trench

• A deep, narrow valley in the ocean floor

Ridge

• The highest part of a chain of underwater mountains.

Current

• A river like flow water in the ocean.

Tide• The rise and fall

of the surface level of the ocean.

Wave

• The up-and-down movement of ocean water caused by the wind.

Light Zone

• The sunlit waters of the ocean

Dark Zone• The ocean

water where sunlight does not reach.

Coral Reef

• A platform or ridge of coral at or near the ocean surface.