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An abyssal plain is a vast, relatively flat expanse of the ocean floor situated at depths ranging from 3 to 6 kilometers (2 to 4 miles) below sea level. These expansive regions are present in all major oceans and extend from the continental rises at their borders to the mid-oceanic ridges.
Characterized by their flat terrain, abyssal plains are covered by a thick layer of sediment. Despite their overall flatness, they may feature some variations in the form of low abyssal hills and elevated seamounts, contributing to the overall topographical diversity of the ocean floor. The origin of abyssal plains is often associated with processes such as sedimentation, where accumulated sediments from various sources create these extensive and relatively level areas in the deep ocean basins.
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