The results of the morphological analysis of the original bathymetry data accompanying the 1:1,000,000 sheet series of the State Geological Map of Russia were summarized in the geomorphologic map of the Laptev and East Siberian seas' continental margin. The main morphological elements and individual forms were revealed. The relief of the continental slope has a rugged appearance due to an abundance of underwater canyons, structural ridges and tectonic scarps. These features are most characteristic of the continental slope off Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago аnd the portion of the continental slope between the Gakkel and Lomonosov ridges. The junction of the Lomonosov Ridge with the continental margin shows a more gentle topography which is also observed in the area of Starokadomsky trench - trough.

In general the continental slope consists of numerous sub-horizontal forms (terraces) with an extent of up to 25-30 km and a width of up to 10 km. The terraces have various origins. The most widespread among them are slide terraces, tectonic scarps and the terraces defined by deeply buried basement highs.

The origin of isometric and elongated elevations observed within the foot of the continental slope is not clear. One probable explanation is that they may represent the outliers of slump blocks cut by turbidity currents.

Debris cones that are typically expressed in the modern topography of the Arctic continental margins have not been detected. This may be explained by the activity of  contour currents responsible for the distribution of sediments along the foot of the  continental slope.

Gusev E., Mennies M., Romaschenko O. Morphology of the continental margin of the Laptev and East Siberian Seas // Climate Drivers of the North. Conference Abstracts. May 8-11. 2002. Kiel, Germany, p. 48.