Glossary

Part of the ocean separating a continental shelf from the deep-sea floor. Continental slopes are characterised by a sudden increase in water depth and extend from the outer edge of a given continental shelf to a depth of between 3,000 and 4,000 metres. These slopes are home to various geological phenomena, such as underwater gorges, canyons, trenches and other structures. They also offer an important habitat for deep-sea organisms, as they are rich in nutrients and sediments from the continental shelf.