Classification of the world ocean bottom topography and some terminological problems

Abstract

A new classification of the World Ocean bottom relief is introduced taking into account division of the terms into geomorphological and geostructural ones. According to the type of the earthcrust are identified continental masses, oceanic depressions and transitional zones (from oceans to continents). According to sub-types of the earthcrust an oceanic depression is subdivided into ocean floor and mid-oceanic ridge, and the transitional zone-into basin seas and island archs systems. In dependence on Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic movements the continental margins are subdivided into subaquatic parts of fold-block elevations (mountains) and subaquatic parts of continental plates and masses (plains); floor of basin sea - into deep-sea troughs and inner elevations, island arch system - into island arch itself and deep sea trench, floor of the ocean - into oceanic troughs and rises.

These units are subdivided further into those of smaller order according to geological structure, type of Neogene-Quaternary earthcrust movements and predomonant exogenous relief-forming process. Some previous classifications are discussed and new propositions on terminology are made.