Unique geomorphologic features in ocean basins
Continental slopes
- Continental slopes are found seaward of continental shelves
- Water depths increase from 200 m to 3-4 km (5-10 km along ‘active’ continental margins)
- Average surface slope is 4-5°; slope is very gentle but is still 20x average dip of continental shelves
- Underlain by young sedimentary rocks that are continuous with those found in continental shelves
- Basement still is typical continental rock