What does the term "littoral" refer to?

The term "littoral" refers specifically to the coastal or shore region of a body of water. This encompasses areas that are influenced by proximity to the shoreline, including both intertidal zones and regions that are close to coastal ecosystems. The littoral zone is significant in various contexts, including environmental studies, military operations, and maritime navigation, because it is often rich in biodiversity and serves as a critical interface between land and water.

In contrast, the other options address different concepts that do not align with the definition of "littoral." Depth of ocean waters pertains to bathymetry, while deep inland water navigation refers to waterways that are typically far from coastal areas. Finally, while marine life habitats can be found in littoral zones, the term itself specifically denotes the geographical area rather than the ecological aspects of those habitats.