continental shelf

• Plateforme sous-marine peu profonde et en pente douce qui entoure un continent, s'étendant du rivage jusqu'au talus continental où commence l'océan profond.

The relatively shallow, gently sloping seabed that surrounds a continent, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope where the deep ocean begins.

1. Geological definitionC1formal

   The submerged border of a continent that slopes gently from the shoreline to a point where there is a steep drop to the ocean floor.

   Plateau continental

   • The continental shelf extends for miles off the coast of Newfoundland.
   • Many oil and gas deposits are found beneath the continental shelf.
   • The continental shelf is rich in marine biodiversity.