0
How is continental lithosphere different from oceanic lithosphere?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Continental plates are thicker and less dense. Continental plates are mainly granitic in composition. Oceanic plates are mainly basaltic in composition. The rock of continental plates is on average, much older than the rock of the oceanic plates.
The oceanic plate underlies the oceans, and the continental plate makes up the land masses. Continental plates do not subduct at convergent plate boundaries.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoContinental lithosphere is thicker and less dense than oceanic lithosphere. Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic rock while oceanic crust is composed primarily of basaltic rock.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoCONTINENTAL CRUST is 35km of thickness and oceanic is 7 km. i hope that helped
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe material they are made of.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agowhether it is above an ocean or continent
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?
The density of the continental (granitic) lithosphere is lower than oceanic (basaltic) lithosphere. Consequently, due to buoyancy, the continental crust rides above the oceanic lithosphere and thus is not subducted. However, it is thought that pieces of the continental lithosphere break off and are subducted along with the oceanic lithosphere.
What two layers make up the lithospere?
The two layers of the lithosphere is made up of the oceanic lithosphere and continental lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is associated with oceanic crust and the ocean basins. The continental lithosphere is associated with the continental crust.
Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?
No continental lithosphere contains more felsic rocks than oceanic lithosphere.
What happens when continental and oceanic lithospheres collide?
When oceanic lithosphere and continental lithosphere collide, the continental lithosphere may be obducted over the oceanic lithosphere or the oceanic lithosphere may be subducted under the continental lithosphere. The latter is thought to be more common. This subduction and obduction generally results in tectonic activity such as volcanoes and earthquakes.
Is the lithosphere thinner under the oceanic or continental crust?
the lithosphere is thinner under the oceanic crust
How is continental lithosphere different oceanic lithosphere?
Continental lithosphere is thicker and less dense than oceanic lithosphere. Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic rock while oceanic crust is composed primarily of basaltic rock.
Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath convergent lithosphere at convergent boundaries?
As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.
Name the two types of lithospheric plates?
There are two types of lithosphere: the oceanic lithosphere and the continental lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere exists in the ocean basins while the continental lithosphere exists in the continental crust.
Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?
The density of the continental (granitic) lithosphere is lower than oceanic (basaltic) lithosphere. Consequently, due to buoyancy, the continental crust rides above the oceanic lithosphere and thus is not subducted. However, it is thought that pieces of the continental lithosphere break off and are subducted along with the oceanic lithosphere.
Why does oceanic lithosphere sub duct while continental lithosphere does not?
Oceanic lithosphere is dense enough to be forced down into the mantle. Continental lithosphere is not.
What two layers make up the lithospere?
The two layers of the lithosphere is made up of the oceanic lithosphere and continental lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is associated with oceanic crust and the ocean basins. The continental lithosphere is associated with the continental crust.
Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundary's?
As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.
Why does oceanic lithosphere sinks beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundaries?
As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.
Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?
No continental lithosphere contains more felsic rocks than oceanic lithosphere.
What happens when continental and oceanic lithospheres collide?
When oceanic lithosphere and continental lithosphere collide, the continental lithosphere may be obducted over the oceanic lithosphere or the oceanic lithosphere may be subducted under the continental lithosphere. The latter is thought to be more common. This subduction and obduction generally results in tectonic activity such as volcanoes and earthquakes.
New oceanic lithosphere forms as a result of?
New oceanic lithosphere forms as a result of continental drift.
Is the lithosphere thinner under the oceanic or continental crust?
the lithosphere is thinner under the oceanic crust
