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Continental crust is generally lighter than oceanic crust because it is thicker and less dense. Oceanic crust, being thinner and denser, tends to be heavier.

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Q: What crust is heavier?
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What happens when heavier oceanic crust converges with lighter crust at a deep ocean trench?

When heavier oceanic crust converges with lighter crust at a deep ocean trench, the heavier oceanic crust is usually forced under the lighter crust in a process known as subduction. This can create deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs on the overriding plate. The subducting plate can also melt and cause volcanic activity.


Which type of crust is heavier and younger?

Oceanic crust is heavier and younger compared to continental crust. It is denser because it is composed of basaltic rocks, while continental crust is made up of less dense granitic rocks. Additionally, oceanic crust is continually being formed at mid-ocean ridges through seafloor spreading, making it much younger on average than continental crust.


Why is the Earth's crust not a gas?

Earth accreted from solid, heavier matter.


Why are continental plates less dense than oceanic plates kids answer?

Continental crust and continental crust are made of different types of rock. The rocks in the continental crust do not contain as many of the heavier elements as the ones in the oceanic crust do.


What geological principle explains how continental crust rests on oceanic crust?

The principle of isostasy explains how the less dense continental crust "floats" higher on the denser, heavier oceanic crust. This is similar to how icebergs float higher in water. The balance between the two crust types is maintained by the buoyant force exerted by the mantle beneath them.

Related questions

What happens when a heavier oceanic crust collides with a continental crust?

Trench


What happens when heavier oceanic crust converges with lighter crust at a deep ocean trench?

When heavier oceanic crust converges with lighter crust at a deep ocean trench, the heavier oceanic crust is usually forced under the lighter crust in a process known as subduction. This can create deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs on the overriding plate. The subducting plate can also melt and cause volcanic activity.


What is difference of the continental crust and the oceanic crust?

Continental crust is thicker but less dense, and oceanic crust is thinner but more dense, making it heavier.


Which type of crust is heavier and younger?

Oceanic crust is heavier and younger compared to continental crust. It is denser because it is composed of basaltic rocks, while continental crust is made up of less dense granitic rocks. Additionally, oceanic crust is continually being formed at mid-ocean ridges through seafloor spreading, making it much younger on average than continental crust.


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.


Why is the Earth's crust not a gas?

Earth accreted from solid, heavier matter.


Why ozone layer which is heavier than oxygen is away from Earth's crust?

Ozone is away from crust. It founds suitable conditions for formation there.


How is the earth's crust formed by a volcano?

Volcanoes bring liquid rock (magma) to the surface, which may have heavier elements from the lower crust and mantle.


Why are continental plates less dense than oceanic plates kids answer?

Continental crust and continental crust are made of different types of rock. The rocks in the continental crust do not contain as many of the heavier elements as the ones in the oceanic crust do.


Oceanic crust is denser than the continental crust because it contains more of which three elements?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it contains more magnesium, iron, and calcium. These heavier elements contribute to the higher density of the oceanic crust compared to the continental crust.


Oceanic crust is lighter than the continental crust?

No, the oceanic crust is denser. That's why the land areas "float" so much higher than the ocean bedrock.


What forms earth crust?

thickness 1/8( a mixture of lighter and heavier rocks which were forced out from the mantle by volcanic activity)