Key Takeaways
- The continental shelf is a shallow, sediment-covered extension of the continent.
- The continental slope is a steep descent to the deep ocean floor.
- Sediment layers on the shelf and slope create an impermeable seal.
- These structures physically and hydrologically separate the ocean from terrestrial groundwater.
Mastery Check
The ocean does not drain because the continental margin is not a hole. It is a complex geological structure with a sealed bottom. The combination of shallow shelves, steep slopes, and dense sediment layers ensures that the ocean remains contained within its basin.