Continental slopes refer to the steep slope that stretches from the continental shelf to the deep-sea floor. They are an important feature of oceanography as they mark the transition between the shallow water shelf and the deep ocean floor. Other synonyms for the continental slopes include the continental rise, deep-sea slope, and undersea escarpment. These terms are used interchangeably in scientific literature and describe the same feature. The continental slopes may vary in steepness from one area to another, and this determines the flow of currents and the distribution of marine organisms. The study of continental slopes is critical in understanding the ocean's ecosystems and their roles in climate change and ocean pollution.