The transition between the continental shelf and the ocean basin can be described as…

relatively steep

gradual

extremely gradual

an abrupt stop

Answer

Relatively steep

Explanation:

The continental margin , between the continental shelf and the abyssal plain, comprises a steep continental slope, surrounded by the flatter continental rise , in which sediment from the continent above cascades down the slope and accumulates as a pile of sediment at the base of the slope. Extending as far as 500 km (310 mi) from the slope, it consists of thick sediments deposited by turbidity currents from the shelf and slope.