GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A continental shelf is the edge of a continent that lies under the ocean. Continents are the seven main divisions of land on Earth. A continental shelf extends from the coastline of a continent to a drop-off point called the shelf break.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term “continental shelf” is used by geologists generally to mean that part of the continental margin which is between the shoreline and the shelf break or, where there is no noticeable slope, between the shoreline and the point where the depth of the superjacent water is approximately between 100 and 200 metres.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some 18, 000 years ago, at the peak of the most recent ice age, much of the Earth’s water was frozen into huge masses of ice called glaciers. The sea level dropped, exposing continental shelves. During this glacial period, scientists say that sea levels were perhaps 100 meters (330 feet) lower than they are today.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lesson Summary. A continental shelf is a landmass covered with shallow water, which extends away from the edges of the continental crust. The continental shelf surrounding an island is called the insular shelf.