Which of the following statements with regard to the continental shelf is NOT correct?

Option 3 is not correct.

Key Points

Continental Shelf - It is the gently sloping seaward extension of the continental plate. It is the extended margin of each continent occupied by relatively shallow seas and gulfs.

• It is the shallowest part of the ocean.
• These are created due to sedimentation from the continents. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Continental Shelf is the gently sloping seaward extension of the continental plate. Hence, statement 3 is Not correct.
• The continental shelves are covered with variable thicknesses of sediments brought down by rivers, glaciers, etc.
• The shelves are almost absent or very narrow along some of the margins like the coasts of Chile, the west coast of Sumatra, etc. [Ocean – Continent Convergence and Ocean – Ocean Convergence]. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Continental shelves are located in photic zones, so have rich marine ecology. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
• The Continental Shelf of all oceans together covers 7.5% of the total area of the oceans.