The map of the world ocean in Gall/Peters projection on this page shows the extent of the continental shelf. Because the shelf is the submerged part of the continents, most shelf regions are only narrow fringes around the continental land masses.

Because tidal currents are usually stronger over shallow water than in the deep sea, many shelf regions are well mixed by tidal currents. This assures a good nutrient supply and high biological productivity. Some well mixed shelf regions are exceptionally broad. Many of them, such as the North Sea and the Newfoundland Banks, are important fishing regions.

The following shelf regions are particularly large and identified on the map: (It is good if you know them and can remember them, but success in this exercise does not depend on it.)