1.1.2. Continental Slope

The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins (bottom of the ocean). It begins where the bottom of the continental shelf sharply drops off into a steep slope. The gradient of the slope region varies between 2-5°. The depth of the slope region varies between 200 and 3,000m. The slope boundary indicates the end of the continents. Canyons and trenches (discussed later in minor relief features of ocean floor) are observed in this region.