Continental margin, the submarine edge of the continental crust distinguished by relatively light and isostatically high-floating material in comparison with the adjacent oceanic crust. It is the name for the collective area that encompasses the continental shelf, continental slope, and continental rise.

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.