Continental slopes are the steep areas that connect the continental shelf to the deep ocean floor. They typically extend from the edge of the continental shelf down to the ocean basin, often featuring a gradient of 4 to 10 degrees. This region is important for marine life, as it serves as a transition zone where nutrients from the land and shelf can flow into deeper waters. These slopes are shaped by geological processes, including erosion and sediment deposition. They can be found along the coastlines of all continents and are often marked by underwater canyons and features like submarine landslides. Understanding continental slopes is crucial for studying ocean ecosystems and marine geology.