The widest continental shelf is found in the:

The correct answer is the Arctic Ocean.

Key Points

• The Arctic Ocean has the widest continental shelf among all oceans.
• A continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent, submerged under shallow seas.
• The Arctic continental shelf extends up to 1,500 kilometers from the coast, making it the largest.
• It is rich in resources like oil, gas, and minerals, and also serves as a critical area for marine biodiversity.

Additional Information

• Atlantic Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean has a narrower continental shelf compared to the Arctic. However, it contains significant areas like the Grand Banks near Newfoundland, which are rich in marine resources.
• Indian Ocean: The continental shelf of the Indian Ocean is relatively narrow and primarily supports marine ecosystems and coastal economies. It is critical for fishing and offshore petroleum extraction.
• Pacific Ocean: The Pacific Ocean features a narrow continental shelf in many areas. However, regions like the South China Sea have wider shelves, supporting diverse marine life and economic activities.