Question

Write short notes on:

Deposition and continental slope

Answer 1

1. After the extent of the continental shelf is over, there is a sharp drop in the ocean floor.
2. The gradient of slope in this region can be between 2° to 5°. This is called the continental slope.
3. The depth of this slope extends from 200 m up to 4000 m from sea level.
4. Due to its steepness, the continental slope stretches over a limited area.
5. The deposition of sediments is also limited in this part.
6. The continental slopes are generally considered as boundaries of continents. Methane hydrate, a compound of water and methane, is present on the continental slopes. 
7. On the slope, we find many traces of submarine landslide activity, ocean canyons, and huge avalanche fans. For example, Congo Canyon is a submarine canyon found near Africa.