Passive Continental Margin

Passive continental margins
Found along most coastal areas that surround the Atlantic Ocean
Not associated with plate boundaries
Experience little volcanism and
Few earthquakes

Passive continental margins
Features comprising a passive continental margin
Continental shelf
Flooded extension of the continent
Varies greatly in width
Gently sloping
Contains oil and important mineral deposits

Features comprising a passive continental margin
Continental shelf
Some areas are mantled by extensive glacial deposits
Most consist of thick accumulations of shallow-water sediments

Features comprising a passive continental margin
Continental slope
Marks the seaward edge of the continental shelf
Relatively steep structure
Boundary between continental crust and oceanic crust

Features comprising a passive continental margin
Submarine canyons and turbidity currents
Submarine canyons
Deep, steep-sided valleys cut into the continental slope
Some are seaward extensions of river valleys
Most appear to have been eroded by turbidity currents  

Features comprising a passive continental margin
Submarine canyons and turbidity currents
Turbidity currents
Downslope movements of dense, sediment-laden water
Deposits are called turbidites