Consider the following statements regarding the Continental Slope: 1. It connects the continental rise and the mid-oceanic ridges. 2. The gradient of the slope region varies between 2° and 5°. 3. Canyons and trenches are never observed in this region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation The continental slope is a major relief feature of the ocean floor, marking the steep transition zone between the shallow continental shelf and the deep ocean floor (continental rise or abyssal plain). - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the continental rise. The standard sequence of ocean bottom relief from the coast is: Continental Shelf → Continental Slope → Continental Rise → Deep Sea Plain (Abyssal Plain). Mid-oceanic ridges are located in the central parts of ocean basins and are not directly connected to the continental slope. - Statement 2 is Correct: The continental slope is characterized by a distinct increase in steepness compared to the gently sloping continental shelf. The gradient of the slope region typically varies between 2° and 5°. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The continental slope is not devoid of relief features. Submarine canyons-deep valleys often resembling the Grand Canyon-are frequently observed cutting across the continental slope. Furthermore, at active continental margins, the slope may descend directly into a deep-sea trench. Key Takeaway: The continental slope is the steep edge of the continent (gradient 2°-5°) connecting the shelf to the rise, and it often features significant submarine canyons.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 1: Water (Oceans)

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Continental Slope:

It connects the continental rise and the mid-oceanic ridges.
The gradient of the slope region varies between 2° and 5°.
Canyons and trenches are never observed in this region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 3 only
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

The continental slope is a major relief feature of the ocean floor, marking the steep transition zone between the shallow continental shelf and the deep ocean floor (continental rise or abyssal plain).

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the continental rise. The standard sequence of ocean bottom relief from the coast is: Continental Shelf → Continental Slope → Continental Rise → Deep Sea Plain (Abyssal Plain). Mid-oceanic ridges are located in the central parts of ocean basins and are not directly connected to the continental slope.
Statement 2 is Correct: The continental slope is characterized by a distinct increase in steepness compared to the gently sloping continental shelf. The gradient of the slope region typically varies between 2° and 5°.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The continental slope is not devoid of relief features. Submarine canyons-deep valleys often resembling the Grand Canyon-are frequently observed cutting across the continental slope. Furthermore, at active continental margins, the slope may descend directly into a deep-sea trench.

Key Takeaway: The continental slope is the steep edge of the continent (gradient 2°-5°) connecting the shelf to the rise, and it often features significant submarine canyons.

Your note

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Consider the following statements regarding the relief of the ocean floor: 1. The oceans merge so naturally into one another that it is hard to demarcate them. 2. A major portion of the ocean floor is found at depths less than 1 km. 3. The ocean floors are rugged and contain mountain ranges similar to those on continents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following sequences correctly arranges the major divisions of the ocean floor from the coast towards the deep sea?

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The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the continental rise. The standard sequence of ocean bottom relief from the coast is: Continental Shelf → Continental Slope → Continental Rise → Deep Sea Plain (Abyssal Plain). Mid-oceanic ridges are located in the central parts of ocean basins and are not directly connected to the continental slope.
Statement 2 is Correct: The continental slope is characterized by a distinct increase in steepness compared to the gently sloping continental shelf. The gradient of the slope region typically varies between 2° and 5°.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The continental slope is not devoid of relief features. Submarine canyons-deep valleys often resembling the Grand Canyon-are frequently observed cutting across the continental slope. Furthermore, at active continental margins, the slope may descend directly into a deep-sea trench.

Key Takeaway: The continental slope is the steep edge of the continent (gradient 2°-5°) connecting the shelf to the rise, and it often features significant submarine canyons.