continental shelf

• Parte relativamente rasa do fundo do mar que circunda um continente, estendendo-se da linha costeira até o talude continental, onde começa o oceano profundo.

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.

   Definição geológica

   • 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.