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Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?

Anonymous

∙ 10y ago

Updated: 6/20/2024

No continental lithosphere contains more felsic rocks than oceanic lithosphere.

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∙ 10y ago

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More answers

No, oceanic lithosphere contains more mafic rocks compared to continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is mainly composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock, whereas continental lithosphere is composed of a variety of rock types, including granitic rocks which are more felsic in composition.

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Q: Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?

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What is the lithosphere made of mafic or felsic?

The lithosphere is primarily made of mafic rocks, which are rich in magnesium and iron. These rocks are denser and have higher melting points compared to felsic rocks, which are lighter in color and have lower melting points.

How does the density of oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is primarily composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock with a higher density than the felsic rocks that make up continental crust. Additionally, oceanic crust is thinner and younger than continental crust, contributing to its higher density.

Both the oceanic and continental crusts are partially composed of what material?

Both oceanic and continental crusts consist primarily of igneous rock although they both contain some sedimentary rock. Oceanic crust is composed mainly of basaltic rock, while continental crust is composed of granitic rock.

Why is the main reason that oceanic crust is heavier than continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed mainly of basalt, which is more compact and has a higher density than the granite and other rocks that make up continental crust. Additionally, oceanic crust is thinner and therefore more concentrated, making it heavier overall.

What accounts for the difference in density between oceanic crust and contenetial crust?

The difference in density between oceanic crust and continental crust can be mainly attributed to their composition. Oceanic crust is denser due to the presence of heavier mafic minerals like basalt and gabbro, while continental crust is lighter because it contains more felsic minerals like granite and diorite. The age of the crust also plays a role, with older oceanic crust being denser due to increased sediment accumulation.

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Related Questions

What is oceanic crust composed of?

The oceanic crust composed of sima, mafic rocks and basalt. This is the top layer of the lithosphere which is found in the ocean floor.

What is the lithosphere made of mafic or felsic?

The lithosphere is primarily made of mafic rocks, which are rich in magnesium and iron. These rocks are denser and have higher melting points compared to felsic rocks, which are lighter in color and have lower melting points.

Is the oceanic crust felsic or mafic?

Oceanic crust is mafic.

How does the density of oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is primarily composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock with a higher density than the felsic rocks that make up continental crust. Additionally, oceanic crust is thinner and younger than continental crust, contributing to its higher density.

When a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide why does the oceanic plate sink below the continental plate?

The oceanic plate is denser than the continental plate due to its composition of heavier mafic rock. This density difference causes the oceanic plate to sink below the continental plate in a process known as subduction.

Both the oceanic and continental crusts are partially composed of what material?

Both oceanic and continental crusts consist primarily of igneous rock although they both contain some sedimentary rock. Oceanic crust is composed mainly of basaltic rock, while continental crust is composed of granitic rock.

The oceans crust is composed of what?

The oceanic crust composed of sima, mafic rocks and basalt. This is the top layer of the lithosphere which is found in the ocean floor.

How does density of the oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust and is comprised of mainly mafic minerals (Mg, Fe), as opposed to continental crust, which is mainly felsic (Al and Si rich).

How does density of oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust and is comprised of mainly mafic minerals (Mg, Fe), as opposed to continental crust, which is mainly felsic (Al and Si rich).

Why is the main reason that oceanic crust is heavier than continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed mainly of basalt, which is more compact and has a higher density than the granite and other rocks that make up continental crust. Additionally, oceanic crust is thinner and therefore more concentrated, making it heavier overall.

What is the difference in density in mafic rocks in relation to felsic rocks?

Mafic rocks, such as those found in the oceanic crust, are more dense than the felsic rocks found in the continental crust.

What accounts for the difference in density between oceanic crust and contenetial crust?

The difference in density between oceanic crust and continental crust can be mainly attributed to their composition. Oceanic crust is denser due to the presence of heavier mafic minerals like basalt and gabbro, while continental crust is lighter because it contains more felsic minerals like granite and diorite. The age of the crust also plays a role, with older oceanic crust being denser due to increased sediment accumulation.

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