Continental Shelf
The continental shelf extends seaward from the shore and is the shallowest part of the continental margin.

Continental Slope
The continental slope is the area of the seafloor just beyond the continental shelf, where the slope of the seafloor becomes steeper. Canyons are typically located on the continental slopes, carved out by fast moving currents of water, mud and sediment called turbidity currents. Turbidity currents are similar to landslides on land.

Continental Rise
The continental rise extends beyond the steep continental slope. It is more gently sloping and is composed of the sediments deposited by turbidity currents at the base of the continental slope.