continent Land mass above sea level.
continental margin Submerged, outer edge of the continent.
continental rise Gently sloping accumulation of sediments that forms where the conti-
nental slope meets the ocean floor.
continental shelf Very gently sloping portion of the continent covered by the ocean.
continental slope Sloping, underwater edge of the continent.
delta Often triangular shaped deposit of sediment at the mouth of a river.
elevation Height of a feature measured relative to sea level.
mid-ocean ridge A large, continuous mountain range found in the middle of an ocean
basin; marks a divergent plate boundary.
ocean basins Areas covered by ocean water.
plains Low lying continental areas, can be inland or coastal.
plateaus Flat lying, level elevated areas.
relief Difference in height of landforms in a region.
river valleys Areas formed as water erodes the landscape, often āVā shaped.
seamount Underwater, volcanic mountain more than 1000 meters tall.
topography Changes in elevation for a given region.
Points to Consider
- A volcano creates a new landform in Mexico. As the earth scientist assigned to study
this feature, explain how you would describe its position in a report or scientific com-
munication? - Suppose you wanted to draw a map to show all the changes in elevation around the
area where you live. How might you show low areas and high areas? What would
you do if you wanted this map to show these changes as if you were flying above your
home? - Why do you think continents are higher areas on Earth than our ocean basins?