Answer:
C. Continental shelves
Explanation:
The Continental shelves refer to the shallowest part of the ocean found along continent margins. Continental shelves are relatively flat, submerged areas that extend from the coast to the continental slope. They have gentle slopes and are typically rich in marine life.
The deposition of sediments eroded from continents and carried by rivers and other sources forms continental shelves. These sediments accumulate on the continents' submerged edges, forming the vast, shallow areas known as continental shelves.
The average width of continental shelves can range from a few to several hundred kilometres, depending on factors such as tectonic activity, sea level changes, and regional geology. The continental shelf may be relatively narrow or absent in some areas, while it may be extensive in others.
Continental shelves are essential for various human activities due to their shallow depth (typically less than 200 meters). They provide productive fishing grounds, serve as shipping and navigation routes, and are frequently rich in oil and gas resources that can be extracted via offshore drilling.
