Overview
This lecture introduces the key concepts of marine geology, focusing on the structure, processes, and importance of the ocean floor in marine biology.
Introduction to Marine Geology
- Marine geology studies the structure, history, and processes shaping the ocean floor.
- It links biological, chemical, and physical aspects of marine environments.
Ocean Floor Structure
- The ocean floor consists of continental shelves, slopes, rises, and the deep-sea basin.
- Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics.
- Deep-sea trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean, often linked to subduction zones.
Geological Processes
- Plate tectonics cause the movement of Earth's crust, forming ocean basins and features.
- Volcanic activity under the sea creates islands and hydrothermal vents.
- Sedimentation refers to the accumulation of particles like sand, silt, and organic matter on the seafloor.
Importance for Marine Life
- Geological features provide habitats and influence marine biodiversity.
- Hydrothermal vents support unique biological communities despite extreme conditions.
- Sediments affect nutrient availability and water chemistry, impacting marine ecosystems.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Marine geology — study of the ocean floor's origins, structure, and processes.
- Continental shelf — submerged extension of continents, rich in marine life.
- Plate tectonics — movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, shaping ocean basins.
- Mid-ocean ridge — underwater mountain range formed by diverging tectonic plates.
- Trench — deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, often at subduction zones.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams of ocean floor structures.
- Read textbook section on plate tectonics and marine geology basics.