What does continental slope mean in science?

The continental slope is that portion of the ocean floor between a submarine ridge and the abyssal zone. It is between about 200 and 2000 meters (0.65 to 6.5 km) deep on most ocean floors. As you move from the ridge down to the abyss, the ocean floor becomes steeper, so the continental slope is actually made up of several sub-basins known as the lower, middle and upper slopes These slopes are home to cold-water corals, sponges

What does the continental slope mean?

The continental slope is the portion of the ocean floor that is closest to the continents It stretches for hundreds of miles along the ocean floors of most oceans. This area of the ocean has many unique characteristics. For example, the waters of the continental slope are generally warmer than the surrounding ocean. The seabed here is also more acidic than the ocean floor farther away from the continents.

What does the continental slope mean in geology?

The continental slope refers to the gently sloping area that extends downward from a submarine mountain range. The slope consists of sediment that was deposited on the ocean floor as the mountain range formed over millions of years. This region of the ocean floor is one of the least explored areas of the ocean, yet it is extremely important. Not only does the continental slope provide a habitat for many species that live in the deep ocean, it also plays an important role in the movement of ocean currents and the supply of nutrients

What does the continental slope mean in biology?

The continental slope is that portion of the ocean floor off the shore that extends from the uppermost portion of the continental rise to the abyssal plain. It is a transition zone between the shelf and the deeper ocean. The continental slope is made up of many different habitats, including submarine canyons, carbonate platforms, sandstones, mudstones, and biogenic reefs.

What is the continental slope mean in science?

The continental slope is the underwater portion of a subsea mountain range that slopes away from the highlands. It’s located between the ocean floor and the underwater mountain rim. The continental shelf is the portion of the slope that connects to the ocean floor, whereas the submarine canyon is the deeper section of the continental slope. The continental slope is sometimes also called the abyssal slope.