What is the region of the ocean that is shallow and located at the edges of continents called?

The region of the ocean that is shallow and located at the edges of continents is known as the continental shelf. This area extends from the coastline out to the shelf break, where the ocean floor begins to slope more steeply into deeper waters. The continental shelf is significant because it plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, supporting a variety of marine life due to the availability of sunlight and nutrients.

The shallow waters of the continental shelf make them prime locations for fishing and are often areas of rich biodiversity. This region is particularly notable because it constitutes a substantial portion of the ocean’s surface area but contains a significant amount of the ocean's biological productivity. The continental shelf is also often explored for resources, such as oil and natural gas, due to the relatively accessible terrain.

Other terms related to oceanic structures serve different purposes. An oceanic ridge refers to underwater mountain ranges formed by tectonic activity, while the continental slope is the steep incline between the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor. A deep ocean trench represents the deepest parts of the ocean and is characterized by very steep sides, often caused by the subduction of tectonic plates. Each of these features is distinct from the continental shelf, which is specifically shallow and adjacent to continental landmasses.