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There are many critical oceanic landforms globally, and each has a unique story to tell. Each landform can play an essential role in affecting our environment and quality of life, from mountains to reefs. Look at ocean landforms in the world and their impact on human life.
What are Landforms and oceans?
Landforms are physical formations on Earth’s surface. These can be anything from mountains and valleys to river systems and coastlines. On the other hand, the ocean is a massive stretch of water that covers more than two-thirds of our planet.
Oceans are divided into five significant basins:
- The Pacific
- Atlantic
- Indian
- the Arctic
- Southern ocean.
How Landforms Are Formed By Oceans?
Landforms are constantly being shaped and reshaped by the Earth’s dynamic processes. Among these are the oceans, which significantly impact the coastline and inland landforms. The ocean’s currents, waves, and tides all shape the land.
What Are Ocean Landforms?
Ocean landforms are geographical features created by the movement and erosion of water. They can be formed onshore or offshore and are either permanent or temporary. The most common ocean landforms include beaches, coral reefs, estuaries, and salt marshes.
Beaches are made up of sand or gravel and are a great place to enjoy the sun and surf. Coral reefs are large formations of coral that provide a habitat for marine life. Estuaries are where freshwater from rivers and streams meets the ocean’s saltwater. Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded by the tides.
Most Important Oceanic Landforms In The World
Atolls
Atolls are perhaps the most iconic oceanic landform. They are rings of coral that grow around a central lagoon. The lagoon is often crystal clear, providing beautiful contrast to the deep blue waters of the open ocean.
Atolls can be pretty large; the Maldives, for example, is made up of over 1,000 atolls! While atolls are beautiful to look at, they are also essential ecologically. The coral that makes up an atoll is vital to the marine food chain, supporting an incredible diversity of fish and other marine life.
Barrier islands
Barrier islands are a type of island that is found in coastal areas. They are typically long and thin and are separated from the mainland by a body of water, such as a bay, gulf, or estuary. Barrier islands can be classified into three different types: oceanic, deltaic, and atoll.
Oceanic barrier islands are located offshore and are typically formed by longshore currents. Deltaic barrier islands form where a river meets the ocean. Atoll barrier islands form around a former volcanic island.
Beach Ridges
Beach ridges are an important landmark in coastal environments. They form when waves and currents wash sediment up onto the beach, where it’s then deposited and left to dry. Over time, this sediment builds up and forms long ridges parallel to the shoreline. These formations can help track coastal erosion and predict future changes.
Carbonate Platforms
Of all the landforms formed by oceans, carbonate platforms are some of the most important. The best way to think about them is a giant coral reef that can be hundreds of kilometres long. They’re home to a massive diversity of marine life and provide vital habitat for fish and other sea creatures.
The reason they’re so important is that they help to stabilise the ocean floor and prevent erosion. Without them, the coastline would constantly be changing shape and eroding.
Continental Shelves
The continental shelf is a long, gently sloping underwater feature that marks the transition between the continental landmass and the ocean floor. It’s an essential part of many coastal habitats and is home to a wide variety of marine life.
Many people rely on the resources provided by the continental shelf for their livelihoods. Commercial fishing is just one example—the continental shelf is a significant source of seafood for many countries.
Seamounts
A seamount is a mountain, but not like the ones you see on land. Seamounts are mountains that form underwater, usually at least 1,000 metres below the ocean’s surface. They can be small or large and are made of volcanic rock.
Scientists believe that seamounts are essential because they help define the shape of our oceans and play a role in the Earth’s climate. Some seamounts are even home to unique marine life!
Conclusion
Ocean landforms play a significant role in the overall health of our planet. It provides a habitat for many marine animals, protects shorelines from erosion, and helps regulate the global climate.
The most significant landforms formed by oceans are coral reefs, estuaries, mangroves, and wetlands. Coral reefs are one of the most unique and vital species on Earth. They provide a habitat for millions of marine animals, help protect coastlines from erosion, and act as a natural barrier against storms.
Estuaries are essential for fishing and manufacturing, and mangroves provide a breeding ground for many marine animals. Wetlands are also critical for fisheries and act as a natural filter for pollutants.
