EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A continental shelf extends from the coastline of a continent to a drop-off point called the shelf break. From the break, the shelf descends toward the deep ocean floor in what is called the continental slope. Even though they are underwater, continental shelves are part of the continent.

Detailed explanation-2: -Continental slopes are regions of steeply sloping seafloor that lie between continental shelves and the deep ocean basins (Figure 2).

Detailed explanation-3: -Although the continental slope averages about 4°, it can approach vertical on carbonate margins, on faulted margins, or on leading-edge, tectonically active margins. Steep slopes usually have either a very poorly developed continental rise or none at all and are called escarpments.

Detailed explanation-4: -After the extent of continental shelf is over, the slope of the sea bed becomes steeper. This is called continental slope. The continental slope is narrow. The lower boundary of continental slope is considered to be the boundary of continents.

Detailed explanation-5: -Structure. A continental shelf typically extends from the coast to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 feet). It is gently inclined seaward at an average slope of about 0.1°. In nearly all instances, it ends at its seaward edge with an abrupt drop called the shelf break.