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Why is older oceanic crust more dense than younger oceanic crust?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Oceanic crust averages 3 grams per cubic centimeter, Continental crust averages 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. The difference lies in the rock which composes each type of crust. Oceanic crust is mainly basalt and continental crust is more like granite. Basalt is more dense (heavier) than granite.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoMore layers of sand, rock ect. pushing down on the original igneous rock. There are lots of sedimentary layers of rock on the original igneous rock by the time it reaches the next plate boundary.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoOlder crust is denser than newer crust because it is cooler. It is also because it has had the weight of the ocean bearing down for longer.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agobecause the older one is more dense and compacted then the new ine
Wiki User
∙ 13y agobecause it is cooler
Wiki User
∙ 12y agobecause
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoCooler
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What are the two types of crust on the earth?
There are two types of crust, and they are the oceanic crust and the continental crust. Oceanic crust is thinner yet more dense than continental crust, and continental crust is on average older than oceanic crust :)
What is the difference of continental crust and oceanic crust?
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 happens at a trench?
Older, colder, more dense oceanic crust is being subducted into the mantle.
Why does subduction occur at some tectonic plate boundaries?
Subduction occurs at convergent plate margins where plates are moving toward each other. Subduction occurs as old oceanic crust becomes thicker and more dense than the upper mantle directly below it. Because it is more dense, it is forced under younger, less dense oceanic crust, or under continental crust, which is always less dense. At these borders of collision, the older and more dense oceanic crust is drawn by gravity downward, into the mantle, where it is slowly melted. The two basic forces responsible are gravity and heat.
What is the difference between the continental crust and the oceanic?
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.
What happens when an oceanic crust colides with another oceanic crust?
The younger of the two plates, because it is less dense,* will ride over the edge of the older plate.
What happens when heavier oceanic crust converges with lighter crust at a deep ocean trench?
The heavier (usually older and cooler hence more dense) oceanic crust normally subducts (is forced under) the younger less dense crust.
Can you get underwater fold mountains?
Yes. These occur when an older section of oceanic crust sub ducts beneath a younger (and therefore less dense) section of oceanic crust.
What are the two types of crust on the earth?
There are two types of crust, and they are the oceanic crust and the continental crust. Oceanic crust is thinner yet more dense than continental crust, and continental crust is on average older than oceanic crust :)
What is the difference of continental crust and oceanic crust?
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 happens at a trench?
Older, colder, more dense oceanic crust is being subducted into the mantle.
What is older the oceanic crust or the continental crust?
Continental crust is far older than oceanic crust.
What crust is older in years the continental or the oceanic?
Continental crust is far older than oceanic crust.
Why does subduction occur at some tectonic plate boundaries?
Subduction occurs at convergent plate margins where plates are moving toward each other. Subduction occurs as old oceanic crust becomes thicker and more dense than the upper mantle directly below it. Because it is more dense, it is forced under younger, less dense oceanic crust, or under continental crust, which is always less dense. At these borders of collision, the older and more dense oceanic crust is drawn by gravity downward, into the mantle, where it is slowly melted. The two basic forces responsible are gravity and heat.
Why is the oceanic crust younger than cretaceous?
This is not true. There is quite some oceanic crust that is older than the Cretaceous still present and we even find small parts of very ancient oceanic crust on the continents as ophiolites. On average the oceanic crust might be of Cretaceous or even younger age because it is constantly recycled into the mantle in subduction zones and created on mid ocean ridges.
What is the difference between the continental crust and the oceanic?
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.
Is oceanic crust near the mid-ocean ridge older thean oceanic crust farther away from the ridge?
Its oceanic crust
