Which of the following statements is NOT correct?a) The continental sh...
Answer: c)
Explanation: The continental shelf is the extended margin of each continent occupied by relatively shallow seas and gulfs. It is the shallowest part of the ocean showing an average gradient of 1° or even less. The shelf typically ends at a very steep slope, called the shelf break.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following statements is NOT correct?a) The continental sh...
The correct answer is option 'C': It has an average gradient of 3 or even less.
The continental shelf is the extended margin of a continent that is submerged beneath the shallow waters of the ocean. It is an important geographical feature that plays a crucial role in various aspects of the oceanic environment. Let's discuss each statement to understand why option 'C' is incorrect.
a) The continental shelf is the extended margin of a continent:
This statement is correct. The continental shelf is the shallow, submerged edge of a continent that extends from the shoreline to a variable distance into the ocean. It is made up of continental crust and is geologically part of the continent.
b) It is the shallowest part of the ocean:
This statement is also correct. The continental shelf is characterized by shallow depths, typically ranging from a few hundred meters to a maximum of about 200 meters. It gradually sloped and merges with the continental slope, which is a steeper and deeper portion of the ocean floor.
c) It has an average gradient of 3 or even less:
This statement is incorrect. The continental shelf has an average gradient of about 1 degree or less, which corresponds to a slope of less than 2%. The gradient refers to the change in elevation over a given distance. In the case of the continental shelf, the change in depth is relatively small compared to the horizontal distance covered.
The continental shelf is relatively flat and gently sloping, allowing for the accumulation of sediments and the formation of various habitats. This shallow and productive zone supports a wide variety of marine life, including fish, shellfish, and other organisms. It also provides important resources for human activities such as fishing, oil and gas exploration, and submarine cable installations.
In conclusion, option 'C' is the incorrect statement because the average gradient of the continental shelf is less than 1 degree, not 3 or even less.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.