Continental shelf

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000566",
  "term": "Continental shelf",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The gently sloping, submerged area of a continent extending from the coastline to the steeper continental slope. The shallow water over the shelf allows for more rapid temperature changes than the deep ocean, influencing the development of coastal weather phenomena like sea breezes. Water depth across the continental shelf is a primary factor in determining the magnitude of storm surge generated by a hurricane as it approaches land.",
    "The zone bordering a continent and extending to a depth, usually around 100 FM, from which there is a steep descent toward greater depth."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/continental-shelf/"
}