Deep-Sea Sedimentation

Answer the following questions. This activity is available below or in a printable version.

Study the NOAA map Total Sediment Thickness of the World's Oceans & Marginal Seas (Divins, D.L., Total Sediment Thickness of the World's Oceans & Marginal Seas, NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, Boulder, CO, 2003.)

Using the map's legend from the NOAA map above, identify the areas on the map that have the thickest sediment levels.

1. Generally where do areas of thickest sediment occur?
2. Based on what you have learned about sediment layers of the oceans, why do you believe that these areas have the thickest sediment?
3. Based on what you have learned about sediment layers of the oceans, what type of sediment do you think is found in these areas?
4. Based on the map's legend, what generalization can you make regarding variation in sediment depth?  Why do you believe sediment depth varies in this way?

Once you have finished answering the questions, submit your responses to the dropbox.