Open Ocean
The ocean floor goes down to the average of 3.8 km, though it can go deeper. The open ocean floor is the area of the ocean floor that is home to the Abyssal Plain, the Mid-Ocean Ridge, and trenches.
Abyssal Plain
The Abyssal Plain is made of thick layers of sediment, formed by the remains of dead organisms, that covers the flat, vast plain.
Mid-Ocean Ridge
The mid-ocean ridge consists of many peaks along both sides of a central valley. This chain of undersea mountains runs all around the world. Being nearly 80,000 kilometers long, it is the longest mountain range on Earth.
Trench
Trenches, also known as underwater canyons, include Earth's deepest points. Trenches form as old ocean plates converge and sink.
FUN FACT:
The Mariana Trench in the Pacific is 11 kilometers deep.
FUN FACT:
The Mariana Trench in the Pacific is 11 kilometers deep.