Question

What is the typical depth of continental shelf?

• A. \(\sim 50\text{--}75\) m
• B. \(\sim 100\text{--}200\) m
• C. \(\sim 500\text{--}2000\) m
• D. \(\sim 2000\text{--}3000\) m

Hint:

Ocean floor divisions:
• Continental Shelf $\rightarrow$ \(0\) to about \(200\) m
• Continental Slope $\rightarrow\) Beyond shelf break \item Abyssal Plain $arrow\) Deep ocean floor

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The continental shelf is the gently sloping submerged extension of a continent from the shoreline to the shelf break. Its average depth extends up to about \(200\) m before the continental slope begins.

Step 1: Understand the continental shelf. Characteristics of the continental shelf:
• Gentle slope.
• Rich in marine resources.
• Economically important for fisheries and petroleum exploration.

Step 2: Recall its typical depth. The continental shelf generally extends to a depth of \[ \boxed{100\text{--}200\ \text{m}.} \] Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(B)\;\sim100\text{--}200\text{ m}.} \]