Continental Slopes

Continental slopes are the steep areas that connect the continental shelf, where the ocean is relatively shallow, to the deep ocean floor. This feature typically extends from the coastline down to the abyssal plain, with depths reaching several thousand meters. The continental slope is important for marine ecosystems, as it provides habitats for various species and plays a role in ocean currents. It also holds significance for human activities like fishing and oil exploration due to the rich resources found in these underwater regions.