What is the difference between the continental crust and the oceanic?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

Well, darling, the continental crust is thicker and less dense than the oceanic crust. It's like comparing a fluffy pancake to a thin crepe. The continental crust also contains more granite, while the oceanic crust is mostly basalt. So, in a nutshell, one is thick and light, while the other is thin and heavy.

Answer 6

The continental crust is thicker, less dense, and composed mainly of granite and sedimentary rocks, while the oceanic crust is thinner, more dense, and primarily made up of basaltic rocks. The continental crust is older and less likely to subduct beneath another plate, whereas the oceanic crust is constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones. These differences in composition and behavior contribute to the contrasting topography and geologic activity observed on Earth's surface.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

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.