The rock of the continental crust is mostly granitic in composition, meaning it is a high silicate intrusive igneous rock.
The rock of the oceanic crust is basaltic in origin, meaning it is lower in silica and higher in heavier elements like iron and magnesium and is classified as a mafic igneous rock.
Oceanic crust is therefore more dense than continental crust.
Continents and oceans are located on the Earth's outermost layer, known as the crust. Beneath the crust is the mantle, which consists of solid rock that can flow under high pressure. The molten rock, or magma, is found in the Earth's innermost layer, the outer core and the inner core.
Scientists used the types of rock found on different continents, specifically matching rock formations and fossils, to support the theory of plate tectonics. By observing similarities in rock types and structures across continents separated by vast oceans, they were able to infer that the continents were once connected and moved apart over hundreds of millions of years. This helped them understand the movement of the continents and the process of continental drift.
Matching geological features like mountain ranges and rock formations on continents that are now separated by oceans. Fossil evidence of the same species found on multiple continents that are now far apart. The alignment of magnetic minerals in rock formations, providing a record of past changes in the Earth's magnetic field and the movement of continents.
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on continents. It is formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. Granite is known for its durability and is commonly used in construction and monument-making.
Wegener's background as a climatologist helped him notice similar fossil and rock formations, as well as ancient climates, on continents that are now separated by oceans. This led him to propose the theory of continental drift, suggesting that the continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.
Continents and oceans are located on the Earth's outermost layer, known as the crust. Beneath the crust is the mantle, which consists of solid rock that can flow under high pressure. The molten rock, or magma, is found in the Earth's innermost layer, the outer core and the inner core.
The Crust of the Earth ?
Scientists used the types of rock found on different continents, specifically matching rock formations and fossils, to support the theory of plate tectonics. By observing similarities in rock types and structures across continents separated by vast oceans, they were able to infer that the continents were once connected and moved apart over hundreds of millions of years. This helped them understand the movement of the continents and the process of continental drift.
The floor of heavier rock under the oceans is primarily composed of basalt. Basalt forms from volcanic activity and makes up the majority of the oceanic crust.
On the continents--granite. Under the seas--gabbro.
Antarctica is a continent -- 98% of which is covered by an ice sheet. Continents are composed of 'rock'. As to why -- this is a mystery best answered the same way it wold be answered for all continents on earth.
Matching geological features like mountain ranges and rock formations on continents that are now separated by oceans. Fossil evidence of the same species found on multiple continents that are now far apart. The alignment of magnetic minerals in rock formations, providing a record of past changes in the Earth's magnetic field and the movement of continents.
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on continents. It is formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. Granite is known for its durability and is commonly used in construction and monument-making.
Alfred Wegener presented several lines of evidence to support his theory of continental drift, including the fit of the continents like a jigsaw puzzle, similarities in rock formations and mountain ranges across continents, and the distribution of fossils of the same species on different continents separated by oceans.
Fit of the continents: The way the continents' coastlines fit together like puzzle pieces suggests they were once connected. Matching rock formations: Similar rock formations, mountain ranges, and geological features on different continents provide evidence of a shared history. Fossil evidence: The presence of the same fossils on continents that are now separated by vast oceans indicates that they were once part of the same landmass.
Wegener's background as a climatologist helped him notice similar fossil and rock formations, as well as ancient climates, on continents that are now separated by oceans. This led him to propose the theory of continental drift, suggesting that the continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.
The Pangaea theory says that long ago, all of the continents were one. Now, they clearly are not. However, archaeologists and scientists of the like are finding that certain places in continents that are oceans apart have similar rock patterns, and, if you look close enough, each continent fits into each other. So essentially, similar rock patterns on different continents is likely a result of continental drift because according to "Pangaea", all of the continents used to be one.