continental slope
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the slope between the outer edge of the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor
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Examples (10)
- The continental slope marks the true edge of a continent, descending into the deep ocean.
- Deep-sea currents often accelerate as they flow along the continental slope.
- Geologists study the continental slope to understand submarine landslides and sediment transport.
- Many unique deep-sea species inhabit the cold, dark ecosystems of the continental slope.
- Oil and gas exploration has progressively moved into the deeper waters of the continental slope.
- The research vessel used sonar to map the complex topography of the continental slope.
- The steep gradient of the continental slope connects the shallow shelf to the abyssal plain.
- Over millions of years, thick layers of sediment have accumulated on the continental slope.
- Submarine canyons often cut deeply into the face of the continental slope.
- Data revealed that the angle of the continental slope varies significantly along the coastline.