A continental shelf along a passive margin is below sea level because:
A)it is underlain by oceanic crust
B)it was a mountain that was eroded away
C)the crust has been thinned by normal faulting
D)the weight of the continental crust pushes it down

Question

A continental shelf along a passive margin is below sea level because: 
A)it is underlain by oceanic crust 
B)it was a mountain that was eroded away 
C)the crust has been thinned by normal faulting 
D)the weight of the continental crust pushes it down

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Along a passive margin, the crust is being pulled apart, causing normal faulting and thinning of the crust. As a result, the continental shelf sinks below the sea level.

A Continental Shelf Along a Passive Margin Is Below Sea