GEOLOGY

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: -Abyssal Plains Abyssal plains are deep, extremely flat features. In fact, these regions are possibly the most level places on Earth. Abyssal plains have thick accumulations of fine sediment that have buried an otherwise rugged ocean floor, as shown in Figure 9.

Detailed explanation-3: -Abyssal Plain They make up half of all of the ocean floor. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) defines abyssal plains as “extensive, flat, gently sloping or nearly level region at abyssal depths.” Abyssal depths are approximately 3, 000-6, 000 meters (10, 000-20, 000 feet).

Detailed explanation-4: -Many previously unknown features of the seafloor were discovered. Extending out from a continent’s edge is a gently sloping, shallow area called the continental shelf (F).

Detailed explanation-5: -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.