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You have learned that the ocean floor can be divided into two major areas: continental margins and the deep-ocean basin. Select the option that correctly describes the three parts into which continental margins are separated.
A) Continental margins are separated into three parts: coast, continental shelf, and
deep-ocean basins.
B) Continental margins are separated into three parts: coast, continental shelf, and continental slope.
C) Continental margins are separated into three parts: ocean trenches, continental shelf, and continental slope.
D) Continental margins are separated into three parts: subduction zones, continental shelf, and continental slope.

User Haes
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Final answer:

Continental margins are separated into three parts: the continental shelf, the continental slope, and the continental rise. The correct answer to the question is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The continental margins are separated into three parts: the continental shelf, the continental slope, and the continental rise, which connects to the deep-ocean basin. These parts rather than including coast, trenches, subduction zones, are specifically related to the transition zone between the landmasses and the ocean basin.

The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent and is submerged under relatively shallow water known as the neritic zone. The continental slope follows the shelf and is an area where the seafloor drops off and the depth significantly increases, leading to the continental rise and on to the deep-ocean basin. The continental margin does not specifically include the coast but refers to the submerged part of the continent.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B, which states continental margins are separated into three parts: coast, continental shelf, and continental slope.