Consider the diagram below. What type of margin is this?
A) Passive, because the deep sea fans indicate tectonic activity.
B) Passive, because the lack of trenches and subducting oceanic crust indicate tectonic activity.
C) Active, because the deep sea fans indicate tectonic activity.
D) Active, because the lack of trenches and subducting oceanic crust indicate tectonic activity.

Question

Consider the diagram below.  What type of margin is this?
A) Passive, because the deep sea fans indicate tectonic activity. 
B) Passive, because the lack of trenches and subducting oceanic crust indicate tectonic activity. 
C) Active, because the deep sea fans indicate tectonic activity. 
D) Active, because the lack of trenches and subducting oceanic crust indicate tectonic activity.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Passive margins are found on the trailing edge of a continent and are characterized by a lack of tectonic activity, such as trenches and subduction. The presence of deep sea fans indicates sediment deposition, but not necessarily tectonic activity. Therefore, the lack of trenches and subduction is the best indicator that this is a passive margin.

Consider the Diagram Below