Continental Slope: Definition and Meaning

The huge and extensive water bodies or simply oceans cover around more than 70% of earth's surface, and under its water hold a realm of mystery and wonder including various geological structures. Under the water lies a complex and rugged topography that includes the vast and intriguing Continental Slope.

What is meaning of Continental Slope?

Continental slope is the last part of continental margin that lies between the continental shelf and oceanic floor. Continental slope makes a natural boundary between relatively shallow continental shelf and the deep oceanic basins. The slope of this geological structure has usually a steep descent. Its gradient varies significantly, ranging between gentle inclines and abrupt drop.

Formation of the Continental Slope

All such features are formed through a specified and well defined geological process, known as plate tectonics or plate movements. Such geological processes are a continuous process and formation of any new features takes millions of years. Some other external process that equally plays role in the formation of continental slope is – depositional features. Rivers usually carry various types of sediments with it and when empty into seas, it deposits all such sediments on the margin of the continent. Over period in time, these sediments accumulate and consolidate and ultimately form continental shelf.

Furthermore, as it moves more seaward, the slope becomes steeper that may be because of underwater activities, such as landslides, turbidity currents, and erosion by deep-sea currents. And, the features formed because these processes, known as continental slope.

Characteristics of the Continental Slope

Major features of the continental slope are −

• Bathymetric Variability − The slope gradients of continental slope is not uniform nor fixed, but rather vary. The gradient largely depends upon the process through which it formed, tectonic activity, presence of submarine canyons, etc.

• Submarine Canyons − Submarine canyons are the V-shaped underwater canyons. It is formed on the continental slope and its depth usually goes beyond abyssal plain. It is a geological structure formed through different processes. Turbidity current is one of them. The powerful turbidity current flows with sediments cut deep on the slope and forms canyons.

• Ecosystem Richness − Because of having proximity to both shallow and deep ocean environments, continental slope supports a wide range of marine life. In fact, it serves as a transitional zone where different types of species thrive.

• Hydrocarbon Resources − In this region, rich hydrocarbon deposits are found, for example oil and natural gas. All such natural economic resources have greater importance.

Importance of the Continental Slope

Some of the major importance of the continental slope are −

• Marine Biodiversity − The region is home of different types of marine species, for example, deep-sea corals, invertebrates, fish, etc.

• Oceanic Circulation − The region significantly influences the deep ocean currents and (vertical) circulation patterns that help in regulating the earth’s climate and distribution of the heat and nutrients.

• Geological Studies − The geologists and other marine researchers study this region to understand earth’s tectonic history, past climate and its changing patterns, and sedimentary records.

• Natural Resource Exploration − Since, the region has hydrocarbon reserves, it has significant economic value. Therefore, it offers exploration and exploitation activities.

Need of Conservation

As we have discussed above that, the continental slope has ecological as well as economic importance; therefore, its conservation is also important. In the recent years, because of the some natural phenomenal and excessive human activities (such as exploration, research, and exploitation), the region faces challenges. So, through some of the planned strategy, it can be protected and conserved.

Conclusion

The continental slope is submerged part of continental margin that keeps natural as well as economic importance. Its presence, formation, and salient features give various clues to understand the complex interactions between land and sea. Therefore, as we continue to research and explore this underwater region, we can understand more about mystery of earth and can also plan better to conserve continental slope in particular and overall ecology in general.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does exactly define the term Continental Slope?

The Continental Slope is a permanently submerged region under the oceanic water, which is characterized with steep descent on the ocean floor. It extends from the outer edge of the Continental Shelf to the deep ocean basins. It is marked as the transition between the relatively shallow Continental Shelf and the deeper oceanic bed.

How is the Continental Slope formed?

The Continental Slope is formed through different process including geological processes (such as tectonic movements); the deposition of sediments along the continental margins by the rivers; and underwater activities (such as turbidity current).

What are submarine canyons, and how are they related to the Continental Slope?

Submarine canyons are underwater geological structure that usually formed on continental slope. It is deep and V-shaped canyons that cut through the continental slope, which often extending to the abyssal plain and even beyond. These submarine canyons are usually carved by powerful underwater turbidity currents.

What kind of marine life can be found on the Continental Slope?

Because of being on the margin of continental plate and having the transitional feature, the continental slope supports various types of marine life. The region is home to deep-sea corals, different types of fish species, varieties of invertebrates, etc.

What are the hydrocarbon resources found on the Continental Slope?

The continental slope is an important region of hydrocarbon deposits, for example, oil and natural gas. All such natural resources have great economic importance and hence are the subject to exploration and extraction activities.

What role does the Continental Slope play in geological studies?

Geologists and other marine researchers explore and study the continental slope to understand the earth’s tectonic history, past climate and its changing patterns, sediment records, etc. Likewise, it helps to understand the complex geological processes.