The shallowest portions of an ocean found along the margins of continents are the ________.
A) abyssal plains
B) continental rises
C) continental shelves
D) continental slopes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continental shelves are the shallowest portions of an ocean, ranging from the shore to a depth of approximately 200 meters. They are found along the margins of continents, and are usually gently sloping. The abyssal plains, on the other hand, are the flat, featureless areas of the ocean floor that lie at depths of more than 4,000 meters. The continental slopes are the steeply sloping areas of the ocean floor that extend from the continental shelf to the abyssal plain. The continental rises are the gentle (typically less than 1 degree) slope where the continental shelf meets the deep ocean basin.

The Shallowest Portions of an Ocean Found Along the Margins