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Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic, which is denser, while continental crust is made from mostly basaltic and sedimentary rocks, which are less dense. This difference in density is why the oceanic crust sinks lower (thus the oceans) and the continental crust rides higher (thus the continents) on the mantle.

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Brandyn Cronin

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3y ago

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What is the difference between the continental and oceanic?

The material they are made of.


What are two difference between the continental crust and the oceanic?

Two differences are that the oceanic crust is more dense than continental, and continental crust is composed mostly of granite, while oceanic is mostly basalt


What accounts for the difference between the oceanic crust and continental crust?

The oceanic crust is made up of basalt while continental crust is made up of mostly granite.


Convergence can occur between what types of plates?

Convergence can occur between oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental plates. This process typically leads to the formation of mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.


What is the difference between continentalcrust and the oceanic?

Continental crust is thicker and less dense while oceanic crust is thinner and more dense, so essentially continental crust takes a higher position than oceanic crust. When oceanic and continental plates collide, oceanic plates slide underneath continental plates(if this makes what I said any clearer).


Continental crust and the difference between oceanic crust?

Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic, which is denser, while continental crust is made from mostly basaltic and sedimentary rocks, which are less dense. This difference in density is why the oceanic crust sinks lower (thus the oceans) and the continental crust rides higher (thus the continents) on the mantle.


What is the difference between the continental crust and the oceanic crusts?

Most significantly, there is a material difference in the weight and density of the two types of crust. This manifests itself when tectonic movement brings oceanic in continental plates into collision. Oceanic crust is relatively denser but typically about 100km this. Continental crust is lighter but almost twice as thick--about 200km.


Is Japan continental continental oceanic oceanic or continental oceanic?

Oceanic-Oceanic.


What is the difference between the thickness of the continetal crust and oceanic crust?

In technical terms, the oceanic crust is denser than the continental crust so when the continental crust and the oceanic crust meet the continental crust will sink under and the oceanic crust will slide over and a volcano will be formed as well as producing earthquakes in the process.


What is the boundary between the oceanic crust and the continental crust known as?

The boundary between the oceanic crust and continental crust is known as the continental shelf. This is the shallowest part of the ocean that extends from the shore to the continental slope.


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.


What is the similarities and differences between oceanic-oceanic and continental-continental convergent boundaries?

Both oceanic-oceanic and continental-continental convergent boundaries involve the collision of tectonic plates, leading to geological features such as mountains and earthquakes. In oceanic-oceanic convergence, one oceanic plate subducts beneath another, often creating deep ocean trenches and volcanic island arcs. In contrast, continental-continental convergence occurs when two continental plates collide, resulting in the formation of extensive mountain ranges, like the Himalayas, without significant subduction. The main difference lies in the types of plates involved and the resulting geological features.