Opens in a new tab

Letter CGeology glossary

Continental Slope

The continental slope is the steeply inclined section of the continental margin that descends from the edge of the continental shelf to the continental rise. It marks the true edge of the continent, where the continental crust transitions to the oceanic crust. The study of continental slopes is crucial for understanding sediment transport, submarine landslides, and the dynamics of ocean currents.

Diagram of continental slope and ocean floor features
Fig. 1 Diagram of continental slope and ocean floor features

Source Menard, H. W. (1964). Marine Geology of the Pacific. McGraw-Hill.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.