shelf break

The shelf break is the point where the continental shelf meets the continental slope in oceanography. The continental shelf is a gently sloping area of the ocean floor near the coast, rich in marine life and resources. As you move away from the shore, the water becomes deeper and the slope steepens at the shelf break. This transition marks a significant change in the seafloor's depth and ecosystem. It's important for understanding marine habitats, fishing, and underwater geology, as many marine species thrive in the nutrient-rich waters near the shelf break.