Shallow slope conprises the transition area between intertidal flats and the deep channel bottom, a common habitat for benthic invertebrates. The figure at right shows a cross-sectional diagram of habitat types at various elevations in an estuary (based on Procter et al. 1980a).

Controlling factors that affect shallow slope:

• Currents
• Elevation / depth / bathymetry
• Hydrodynamics
• Salinity
• Sediment quality
• Temperature

Ecosystem processes that are affected by shallow slope:

• Element cycling
• Food web support