Continental shelves

Continental shelves are submerged extensions of the continents, characterized by shallow waters and generally extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental margin. They typically have a gentle slope and are an important part of the earth's oceanic crust. Key features of continental shelves include: 1. **Shallow Depth**: Continental shelves are relatively shallow compared to the ocean's deep-sea areas, with depths usually ranging from 0 to about 200 meters (650 feet).