Subduction. A subduction trench.
On a passive continental margin, you can find thick sedimentary layers, wide continental shelves, and less seismic activity compared to an active continental margin.
On an active continental margin, you would be likely to find an active ocean trench. This structure would generally not occur at a passive continental margin.
No, the continental margin of Fort Myers is not considered an active continental margin. Active continental margins are typically associated with tectonic activity, such as subduction zones or plate boundaries, which are not present in the area surrounding Fort Myers.
Passive continental margin.
An active continental margin may have a trench.
Subduction. A subduction trench.
Subduction. A subduction trench.
active continental margin
active continental margin
A passive continental margin is not tectonically active, meaning it does not experience significant geological activity like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. In contrast, an active continental margin is located near a tectonic plate boundary, leading to geological activity such as subduction zones, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
The U.S. east coast is not considered an active continental margin because there are no plate boundaries near it. Off the coast there is merely a slope with a transition from continental to oceanic crust.
A passive continental margin is characterized by a broad, gently sloping continental shelf and is typically associated with tectonically stable regions, where there is little to no seismic activity. In contrast, an active margin is located near tectonic plate boundaries and is marked by significant geological activity, including earthquakes and volcanic activity. Essentially, a passive margin has a well-defined continental shelf and a lack of tectonic activity, while an active margin does not.