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Those portions of the outer edges of the continents that lie under water are referred to as the continental margins. These margins are of two types, depending on the tectonic condition that they represent. Margins located at the edges of diverging plates are called passive margins as these conditions are characterized by relatively little earthquake or volcanic activity. Margins at the edges of converging plates are called active margins. These locations see frequent volcanic or earthquake activity. Passive margins are typical of the Atlantic, while active margins are common in the Pacific.