Here's why:
* Tectonic Setting: Passive margins form at the edges of continents where there is no active plate boundary (like subduction zones or transform faults). They are typically found on the trailing edge of a continent, where the plate is moving away from a spreading center.
* Geological Features: They are characterized by a relatively gentle slope, a wide, flat continental shelf, and a thick accumulation of sediment. The absence of active tectonics allows for these features to develop over time.
* Examples: The east coast of North America, the west coast of Africa, and the east coast of South America are examples of passive margins.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
