The geologic process responsible for the most rugged relief on the seabed of a passive continental margin is ________.

Question

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Glacial erosion and deposition modified by rising sea levels can create deep, U-shaped valleys and fjords that generate rugged relief on the seabed of a passive continental margin. These features are typically found in areas that were once covered by glaciers during past ice ages, such as the northwestern coast of North America and the southern coast of South America. Active explosive submarine volcanism may also create rugged relief but is more commonly associated with divergent plate boundaries or volcanic island arcs. Deposits of major river deltas may create sedimentary deposits but are not likely to generate significant relief. Dredging and bottom dragging in shelf fisheries can cause localized disturbance but are not responsible for large-scale relief features.

The Geologic Process Responsible for the Most Rugged Relief on the Seabed