What are the boundaries of the continental shelf?

The term “continental shelf” is used by geologists generally to mean that part of the continental margin which is between the shoreline and the shelf break or, where there is no noticeable slope, between the shoreline and the point where the depth of the superjacent water is approximately between 100 and 200 metres.

What is the outer edge of the continental margin?

continental shelf
A continental margin is the outer edge of continental crust abutting oceanic crust under coastal waters. It includes three major zones of the ocean floor, the other two being deep-ocean basins and mid-ocean ridges. The continental shelf is the relatively shallow water area found in proximity to continents.

Where does the continental shelf end?

Structure. A continental shelf typically extends from the coast to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 feet). It is gently inclined seaward at an average slope of about 0.1°. In nearly all instances, it ends at its seaward edge with an abrupt drop called the shelf break.

Where does the extended continental shelf end at?

In fact, the extended continental shelf always ends at the water’s edge. Waters above the continental shelf more than 200 nautical miles from baselines are always high seas where foreign states and vessels enjoy high seas freedoms. Instead, an extended continental shelf merely grants sovereign rights to all resources on and below the seabed.

Is the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles?

In some cases, a coastal State can have a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles if it meets certain criteria. The portion of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles is typically called the “extended continental shelf” or simply ECS.

What is the legal definition of a continental shelf?

There is both a legal and geographical definition for a continental shelf. The legal definition, which is used by the United Nations, defines the term as submerged land that extends no further than 200 nautical miles from a continent’s coastline. Geographically speaking, however, a continental shelf is simply the parts of continents

What is the slope and rise of the continental shelf?

The continental shelf, slope, and rise are collectively called the continental margin. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. A continental shelf typically extends from the coast to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 feet). It is gently inclined seaward at an average slope of about 0.1°.