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thinner and denser

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Earth's oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and younger than Earth's continental crust. It is primarily composed of basaltic rock, whereas continental crust is made up of less dense granitic rock. Oceanic crust is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones.

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Q: Compared to earths continental crust earths oceanic crust is?
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Which type of crust is primarily made of basalt and is more dense?

Oceanic crust is primarily made of basalt and is more dense than continental crust. It is also younger and thinner compared to continental crust.


What are the Differences in height between continental crust and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is generally thicker and more buoyant than oceanic crust, with an average thickness of around 30-50 km compared to about 5-10 km for oceanic crust. This means that continental crust stands higher above sea level compared to oceanic crust, which lies lower below sea level.


Where is the crust located in the earths layers?

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, and it is the thinnest layer compared to the mantle and core. It is divided into oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser, and continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.


Both continental crust and oceanic crust consist mainly of what elements?

Both continental crust and oceanic crust consist mainly of silicon and oxygen, forming silica-based minerals. However, oceanic crust tends to have higher concentrations of iron and magnesium compared to continental crust.


Why does the oceanic crust sit lower in the mantle than the continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust due to its composition and age, causing it to sink lower into the mantle. The oceanic crust is also thinner and has been subjected to more intense heat and pressure, which contributes to its lower position in the mantle compared to the thicker, lighter continental crust.

Related questions

Which portion of earths crust is more dense. oceanic or continental?

Oceanic


What material is oceanic crust rich in?

Iron and magnesium, when compared to continental crust.


Compared to Earth's continental crust Earth's oceanic crust is?

thinner and denser


Which type of crust is primarily made of basalt and is more dense?

Oceanic crust is primarily made of basalt and is more dense than continental crust. It is also younger and thinner compared to continental crust.


What portion of the earths crust is more dense oceanic or contenintal?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust. Oceanic crust has a density of about 3 g/cm^3, while continental crust has a lower density of about 2.7 g/cm^3.


What are the Differences in height between continental crust and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is generally thicker and more buoyant than oceanic crust, with an average thickness of around 30-50 km compared to about 5-10 km for oceanic crust. This means that continental crust stands higher above sea level compared to oceanic crust, which lies lower below sea level.


What is the composition of continental crust?

The composition of the continental crust is granitic overall, high in silicon and aluminum, when compared to the oceanic crust.


What are four differences between the oceanic crust and the continental crust?

Oceanic crust is thinner and denser than continental crust. Oceanic crust is primarily made of basalt, while continental crust is composed of granitic rocks. Continental crust is older and more complex in structure compared to oceanic crust. Oceanic crust is constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones, while continental crust is more stable and less prone to being recycled.


Where is the crust located in the earths layers?

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, and it is the thinnest layer compared to the mantle and core. It is divided into oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser, and continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.


Both continental crust and oceanic crust consist mainly of what elements?

Both continental crust and oceanic crust consist mainly of silicon and oxygen, forming silica-based minerals. However, oceanic crust tends to have higher concentrations of iron and magnesium compared to continental crust.


What is the average thickness of Earth's crust?

The Earths Crust can be divided between Oceanic Crust and Continental Crust. Oceanic and Continental Crust are quiet different. The thickness of oceanic crust is between 5km and 10km. It is made of mainly basalt, grabbo and diabise. The thickness of continental crust is between 30km and 50km. It is made up of lighter rocks such as granite.


What is the largest layer of earths surface?

The largest layer of Earth's surface is the crust, which is divided into oceanic and continental crust. The continental crust is thicker and less dense than the oceanic crust, covering about 40% of the Earth's surface.