Ocean floor features — ridges, trenches, continental shelf
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UPSC frequently tests identification of major ocean floor features (Mid-Ocean Ridge, Mariana Trench, continental shelves) and their formation mechanisms linked to plate tectonics. Questions often combine feature location with geological processes; avoid confusing ridge formation (divergent boundaries) with trench formation (convergent boundaries). Map-based identification is common.
Mid-Ocean Ridge: divergent plate boundary, volcanic, rift valley
Oceanic Trench: convergent boundary, deepest ocean points, subduction
Continental Shelf: shallow seabed extension, biodiversity hotspot, EEZ claims
Abyssal Plain: flat, deep seafloor between ridges and continents
Seamount: underwater volcano, often near hotspots or ridges