Curated OER
Creature From The Deep
Students become familiar with oceanography terms by writing an oceanography horror story.
University of California
Mid Ocean Ridge
An article from Scientific American details some recent discoveries about the ridge systems. "New maps reveal striking details of how segments of the Ridge form and evolve."
US Geological Survey
Usgs: u.s. Atlantic Continental Margin Gloria Mapping Program
This site from the U.S. Geological Survey allows you to access detailed images of the continental margin around the United States. There is additional information about the sonar methods used, and a wealth of additional sources listed.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Monterey Submarine Canyon, California Moored Array Data Report [Pdf]
This advanced site discusses some of the research done and research techniques used in studies of the Monterey Canyon. Great graphics showing the position of the canyon relative to other features of the continental margin. Also...
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Plate Tectonics and Mid Oceanic Ridges
Excellent graphics and understandable text about all aspects of plate tectonics including mid-ocean ridges.
NOAA
Noaa: Ocean Explorer: Sea Floor
This resource page has numerous links to pictures and videos of the sea floor. Topics include geologic features, habitats, bacteria mats and hydrates.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute: Mid Ocean Ridges: Types of Ridges
A detailed, interactive look at the mid-oceanic ridge. Learn more about slow and fast spreading ridges and how the polarity of the ocean floor helps determine the speed of spreading.
Extreme Science
Extreme Science: Challenger Deep
A short description of the world's deepest ocean trench. Includes diagram and map.
University of Washington
University of Washington: Coastal Processes and the Continental Margin
Events affecting the continental margin off Washington State are presented. This article comes from the "Thompson Times," an onboard newspaper from the UW's primary research vessel, the Thomas Thompson.
Other
Ocean Trenches
A rather detailed explanation of how trenches form and why. No graphics, but some interesting explanations as well as links to other sites and extensive reference list.
Other
University of California: Ocean Drilling Program
Scientists probe the ocean floor off Costa Rica and find evidence that may tell us more about what goes on in ocean trenches.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute: Dive and Discover: Expeditions to Sea Floor
Join Woods Hole scientists as they search for new volcanic eruptions on the ridge system in the eastern Pacific.
University of California
Ucmp: Plate Tectonics: The Mechanism
A basic description of the driving force behind plate movement. Describes major features of the ocean floor including mid-oceanic ridges.