Continental Slope (Noun)
Meaning
The steep descent of the seabed from the continental shelf to the abyssal zone.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The continental slope is a steeply sloping area where the continental shelf drops off sharply into the abyssal zone.
- The ocean floor's continental slope serves as a natural boundary between the shallower waters of the continental shelf and the much deeper waters of the abyssal plain.
- Deep-sea fish are often found near the continental slope, where the changing depth creates a unique environment with varied habitats and food sources.
- The continental slope is a critical area of study for oceanographers, as it plays a key role in the formation of ocean currents and the distribution of marine life.
- Off the coast of South America, the continental slope drops dramatically from the productive waters of the continental shelf into the dark, cold depths of the abyssal zone.