The relatively shallow, gently sloping submerged margin of a continent, extending outward from the coastline before dropping off more steeply at the continental slope. Continental shelves are geologically part of the continent rather than the deep ocean floor, and their shallow, sunlit water supports much of the world's marine fishing industry.
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Shaped By
Source Continental shelf (Wikipedia)
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Continental shelf (Wikipedia)
Shaped By: Sea Level Change, LeadQuote, Shaped By: Sea Level Change, Lead
Much of these shelves were exposed by drops in sea level during glacial periods.
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