Neritic Zone
continental shelf
neritic
The average width of the continental shelf is about 80 km or 50 miles. The Shelf descends steeply down to the continental rise before reaching the ocean floor.
neritic zone
The Grand Banks is a continental shelf, specifically located off the southeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada. This underwater feature extends over a large area with relatively shallow waters, making it rich in marine life and an important fishing ground. The continental shelf is characterized by its gradual incline, contrasting with the steeper continental slope that lies beyond it.
Ken Brink has written: 'Programs for computing properties of coastal-trapped waves and wind-driven motions over the continental shelf and slope' -- subject(s): Continental slopes, Computer programs, Continental shelf, Ocean waves
The most common way material is added to a continental shelf is through sedimentary processes, primarily from rivers and coastal erosion. Rivers transport sediments from land, depositing them into the ocean as they reach the continental shelf. Additionally, coastal erosion contributes sediments from shorelines, while marine organisms also contribute biological material. These processes collectively build up the sediment layers on the continental shelf over time.
sublittoral
Icebergs are not typically associated with the continental shelf; they originate from glaciers or ice sheets that calve into the ocean, usually from land-based ice formations. However, sea ice can form over the continental shelf in polar regions, particularly during winter months. This sea ice is different from icebergs, as it forms from the freezing of seawater rather than from freshwater glaciers. Thus, while sea ice can be linked to the continental shelf, icebergs are generally not.
Ecologists generally divide the oceans into zones based on factors such as depth, light penetration, and distance from shore. The major zones include the intertidal zone (coastal areas affected by tides), the neritic zone (shallow waters over the continental shelf), and the oceanic zone (open ocean). Additionally, the oceanic zone is further divided into the photic zone (where sunlight penetrates) and the aphotic zone (where light does not reach). These divisions help in the study of marine life and ecosystems.
Harley J. Knebel has written: 'Movement and effects of spilled oil over the outer continental shelf--inadequacy of existent data for the Baltimore Canyon Trough area' -- subject(s): Continental shelf, Oil spills
The rocks found in a continental shelf are often sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone. These rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments on the ocean floor over long periods of time. Additionally, some continental shelves may also have igneous rocks brought up from volcanic activity.