Both plateaus and continental shelves are elevated landforms that extend from the surrounding terrain or seafloor. A plateau is a flat-topped area of land that rises sharply from the surrounding area, typically formed by geological processes. Similarly, a continental shelf is a submerged extension of a continent, characterized by relatively shallow waters and gently sloping terrain. Both features play significant roles in their respective ecosystems and can influence climate and human activities.
The underwater plateau is called the continental shelf. It is a gently sloping shelf that extends from the shoreline of a continent to a variable distance into the ocean.
continental shelf
The continental shelf is a plateau that lies off each coast of a continent. It is a shallow underwater extension of a continent that slopes gently into the ocean.
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The Continental Shelf.
shelf
The term "plateau" in "continental shelf" refers to the relatively flat and gently sloping underwater landform that extends from the coastline to the continental slope. Continental shelves are essentially submerged plateaus, characterized by their shallow depth compared to the surrounding ocean floor. This geological feature supports diverse marine ecosystems and is significant for fishing and natural resource exploration.
Land. Continental shelf.
the continental shelf-edge or shelf-break
the oldest continental shelf is in tortoga
continental shelf
The continental shelf, continental slope, and continental rise combine to form the continental margin.