Continent vs. Ocean

Geologic definition bases on composition
Geographic definition is land vs. water

Tectonic Settings

Craton - the portion of the continent which has been undisturbed since formation
Shield - exposed portion of the craton composed of crystalline rock
Platform - portion of the craton covered by layered sedimentary rocks
Orogenic Belts - defined as elongate regions of recent or current mountain building activity
1. Fold Belts
2. Uplift Ranges
3. Volcanic Arcs
Coastal Plains / Continental Shelf - the edge of the continent which is partially or completely submerged beneath the ocean

Ocean Basins

Ocean basins are defined geographically by where the ocean are located
Geologically, they are those areas that contain oceanic crust

Continental Margin

Continental Shelf - the portion of the continent which is completely submerged beneath the ocean
Continental Slope - the edge of the continent
Continental Rise - the bottom of the Continental Slope, where it begins to flatten out

Ocean Floor

Abyssal Plain - relatively featureless plain
Seamounts / Guyots - submarine volcanoes and flat-topped seamounts
Mid-Ocean Ridge - long, linear ridges or area of higher elevation that are zones of active rifting
Trenches - long, linear, deep sea trenches; areas of active subduction

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