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Tectonic plates (or continental plates) are pieces of Earth's crust and uppermost mantle, together referred to as the lithosphere.

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Are continental plates more buoyant than oceanic plates?

Yes, continental plates are more buoyant than oceanic plates because they are thicker and less dense. Continental plates are made up of less dense material such as granite, while oceanic plates are primarily composed of denser basaltic rock. This difference in density causes continental plates to float higher on the underlying mantle.


What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

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.


When continental plates pull apart they form this?

rift valley Answer 2 Continents are formed when continental plates pull apart.


What two types of plates make up the earth?

The two main types of plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere are oceanic plates, which are denser and thinner, and continental plates, which are less dense and thicker. These plates interact with each other at their boundaries, causing movements such as subduction, spreading, and collisions that shape the Earth's surface.


What is the definition of Continental Continental collision?

The definition of ocean continental collision means the continental crust and the ocean's crust collide with one another. A subduction is formed when the collision occurs.

Related Questions

What is the definition of the word continental collision?

Continetal collision is when 2 different tectonic plates collide i believe.


Why are oceanic plates lower than continental plates?

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which causes them to be lower in elevation. The denser oceanic plates are effectively pulled downward by gravity, causing them to sink beneath the less dense continental plates. This difference in density and thickness results in oceanic plates being lower than continental plates.


Which type of plate is thicker continental or oceanic?

Continental plates are generally thicker than oceanic plates. Continental plates can range from 20-200 km thick, while oceanic plates are typically around 5-10 km thick.


Are continental plates more buoyant than oceanic plates?

Yes, continental plates are more buoyant than oceanic plates because they are thicker and less dense. Continental plates are made up of less dense material such as granite, while oceanic plates are primarily composed of denser basaltic rock. This difference in density causes continental plates to float higher on the underlying mantle.


What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

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.


Why do oceanic plates and a continental plates meet?

they bang


Which is more buoyant a continental plate or oceanic plate?

Continental plates are more buoyant then oceanic plates.


Which kind of earth's plates is heavier and which is lighter?

Oceanic plates are heavier than continental plates because they are denser and thinner. Continental plates are lighter because they are less dense and thicker. The difference in density and composition accounts for the varying weights of the Earth's plates.


Name two types of tectonic plates?

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, found beneath the oceans, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, making up the Earth's landmasses. These two types of tectonic plates interact at boundaries, influencing processes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


How does the motion of the tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


What is the difference between Continental plates and Tectonic plates?

Continental plates are tectonic plates. They are tectonic plates upon which continents rest, and they move as do all tectonic plates. Basically, there is no difference, other than the fact that oceanic plates are another type of tectonic plate.


How does motion of tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.