The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The Deep Sea Plain, also known as the Abyssal Plain, is an extensive, flat, and gently sloping area of the ocean floor. It covers a significant portion of the ocean basins and is characterized by fine-grained sediments like clay and silt.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Deep Sea Plains are situated at great depths, typically ranging between 3,000 and 6,000 meters below sea level. They cover approximately 40% of the ocean floor.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The ocean floor profile generally descends in the order of Continental Shelf, Continental Slope, Continental Rise, and then the Deep Sea Plain. Consequently, the Deep Sea Plain is deeper than the Continental Slope, not shallower. The Continental Slope typically extends from a depth of 200 meters down to 3,000 meters.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While Deep Sea Plains are very deep, they are not the deepest part of the ocean. Oceanic Trenches represent the deepest zones, often exceeding 6,000 meters and reaching depths of over 10,000 meters (e.g., the Mariana Trench).
Key Takeaway
Deep Sea Plains (Abyssal Plains) are vast, flat regions found between depths of 3,000 and 6,000 meters, located deeper than the Continental Slope but shallower than Oceanic Trenches.