A continental margin is the outer edge of continental crust abutting oceanic crust under coastal waters. It is one of the three major zones of the ocean floor, the other two being deep-ocean basins and mid-ocean ridges. The continental shelf is the relatively shallow water area found in proximity to continents.

What is an example of a continental margin?

An active continental margin is found on the leading edge of the continent where it is crashing into an oceanic plate. An excellent example is the west coast of South America. ... The west coast is the active margin, and is the location of earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains.

What is the continental margin part of?

The continental margin is that part of the ocean floor at the edges of the continents and major islands where, just beyond the shoreline, it tapers gently into the deep sea. The continental margin is made up of the continental shelf, the continental slope, and the continental rise.