Continental crust is much older, granitic in nature, and less dense than oceanic crust which is composed of basaltic rock. Oceanic crust is in a constant state of creation and destruction through the processes of plate tectonics. Oceanic crust is also considerably less thick than continental crust.
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.
Continental crust is lighter (less dense) than oceanic crust. Continental crust is granitic. Oceanic crust is basaltic. Oceanic crust subducts under a less dense crust whether it's oceanic or continental. Continental crust does not subduct. Oceanic crust is much younger in geologic age than continental crust. Continental crust is on average thicker than 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.
Continental crust underlies the continents and is mainly composed of granite rock. Average thickness is about 35 km.
Oceanic crust underlies the oceans and is mainly composed of Basalt rock. Average thickness is about 7 km.
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 and the continental crust rides higher on the mantle.
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.
Continental crust is much older, granitic in nature, and less dense than oceanic crust which is composed of basaltic rock. Oceanic crust is in a constant state of creation and destruction through the processes of plate tectonics. Oceanic crust is also considerably less thick than continental crust.
oceanic crust is much more dense than continental crust. Oceanic crust is also responsible for the movement of continental crust.
The oceanic is heavier
Continental margin
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
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
oceanic crust is much more dense than continental crust. Oceanic crust is also responsible for the movement of continental crust.
The oceanic is heavier
The oceanic crust is made up of basalt while continental crust is made up of mostly granite.
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
Continental crust is on top of the oceanic crust Continental crust is made of granite whereas oceanic crust is made of basalt Continental crust is partly above sea level and partly below whereas oceanic crust is always below sea level.
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.
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.
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.
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 is thicker but less dense, and oceanic crust is thinner but more dense, making it heavier.
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.
Continental crust is mostly composed out of granite, oceanic crust out of basalt.Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.