continental rise Smooth-surface accumulations of sediment which form at the base of the continental slope. The surface of the rise is gently sloping with gradients between 1:100 and 1:700. The width of the rise varies but is often several hundred kilometres. Two types of deposit lead to the formation of rises, turbidites laid down by turbidity currents flowing down the continental slope, and contourites laid down by contour currents flowing along the rise at the base of the continental margin.

continental rise A smooth-surfaced accumulation of sediment which forms at the base of the continental slope. The surface of the rise is gently sloping with gradients between 1:100 and 1:700. The width of the rise varies but is often several hundred kilometres. Two types of deposit lead to the formation of rises: turbidites laid down by turbidity currents flowing down the continental slope; and contourites laid down by contour currents flowing along the rise at the base of the continental margin.