continental shelves

Continental shelves are underwater land areas that extend from a continent's coastline to where the ocean floor drops steeply into the deep sea. They are typically shallow and relatively flat, often rich in nutrients and marine life, making them important for fishing and ecosystems. The width of continental shelves varies; some are just a few miles wide, while others can stretch for hundreds. These regions are significant for various activities, including shipping, oil and gas extraction, and environmental conservation, as they serve as critical habitats for many species.