Consider the following statements:
1. The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the ocean
2. The boundary of continental shelf indicates the end of continents.
3. Most submarine canyons and trenches are located along the continental shelf.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the ocean
2. The boundary of continental shelf indicates the end of continents.
3. Most submarine canyons and trenches are located along the continental shelf.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The continental shelf has a gentle slope and is indeed the shallowest part of the ocean and represents the submerged extension of a continent.

Statement 2 is not correct: The continental slope is a steep incline beyond the continental shelf. The boundary of continental slope indicates where the continent ends and not the boundary of continental shelf which is also known as shelf break.

Statement 3 is not correct: Submarine canyons and trenches are most commonly found along the continental slope (not shelf) often formed by underwater currents, tectonic activity or sediment erosion.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements: 1. The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the ocean 2. The boundary of continental shelf indicates the end of continents. 3. Most submarine canyons and trenches are located along the continental shelf. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None