Continental margins are the zones where the continents meet the ocean. They consist of the continental shelf, continental slope, and continental rise. The continental shelf is a gently sloping area that extends from the shore to the deeper ocean, while the continental slope is steeper and leads down to the ocean floor. The continental rise is formed by sediments that accumulate at the base of the slope. These margins are important for marine ecosystems and human activities. They provide habitats for various marine species and are often rich in resources like oil, natural gas, and fish. Understanding continental margins helps in managing these resources sustainably.