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In a convergent plate collision between continental and oceanic plates, the more dense oceanic plate would subduct, or move underneath, the less dense continental plate, eventually melting into the mantle at the leading edge.

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Why oceanic crust is always subducted underneath continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, so when they collide, the denser oceanic crust is forced beneath the lighter continental crust in a process known as subduction. This subduction occurs at convergent plate boundaries where two plates are moving towards each other. The sinking oceanic crust can trigger volcanic activity and create mountain ranges on the continental crust.


Do tectonic plates consist of continental or oceanic crust?

Tectonic plates consist of both continental and oceanic crust. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that constantly move and interact with each other. Some plates are predominantly made up of continental crust, while others are mostly composed of oceanic crust.


Why is the main reason that oceanic crust is heavier than continental crust?

Oceanic crust is mafic in composition and continental crust is felsic in composition. Mafic minerals generally have a higher density than felsic minerals and therefore, the oceanic crust is heavier.


Why does the oceanic crust go under the continental crust when they collide?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed of mafic rocks like basalt, whereas continental crust is made of felsic rocks like granite. This density difference causes the oceanic crust to subduct under the less dense continental crust when they collide at convergent plate boundaries.


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.

Related Questions

What is the other type of crust the continental crust and what?

Oceanic Crust


What are convertgent boundaries?

A conversion boundary is a place where 2 tectonic plates are mving toward each other. There are 3 types of convergent boundaries OCEANIC CRUST-OCEANIC CRUST OCEANIC CRUST-CONTINENTAL CRUST CONTINENTAL CRUST-CONTINENTAL CRUST They are classified according to their crust


Why does the oceanic sink beneath continental crust at convergent boundaries?

The continental crust is less dense than the oceanic crust. That's the reason we find that the oceanic crust sinks (subducts) beneath the continental crust.Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust and so cannot sink below it.


Why oceanic crust is always subducted underneath continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, so when they collide, the denser oceanic crust is forced beneath the lighter continental crust in a process known as subduction. This subduction occurs at convergent plate boundaries where two plates are moving towards each other. The sinking oceanic crust can trigger volcanic activity and create mountain ranges on the continental crust.


Do tectonic plates consist of continental or oceanic crust?

Tectonic plates consist of both continental and oceanic crust. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that constantly move and interact with each other. Some plates are predominantly made up of continental crust, while others are mostly composed of oceanic crust.


Is the crust formed or destroyed at a sliding boundary?

At convergent boundaries are boundaries the crust is destroyed by subduction of oceanic crust underneath continental crust or other oceanic crust.


Is the crust formed or destroyed at the sliding boundary?

At convergent boundaries are boundaries the crust is destroyed by subduction of oceanic crust underneath continental crust or other oceanic crust.


Why is the main reason that oceanic crust is heavier than continental crust?

Oceanic crust is mafic in composition and continental crust is felsic in composition. Mafic minerals generally have a higher density than felsic minerals and therefore, the oceanic crust is heavier.


Why does the oceanic crust go under the continental crust when they collide?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed of mafic rocks like basalt, whereas continental crust is made of felsic rocks like granite. This density difference causes the oceanic crust to subduct under the less dense continental crust when they collide at convergent plate boundaries.


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 type of rock primarily makes up oceanic crust and continental crust?

Oceanic crust is primarily made up of basaltic rock, which is dense and rich in iron and magnesium. Continental crust is composed mainly of granite and other lighter silicate rocks, which are less dense than basalt.


Why is the oceanic crust is more active than the continental crust?

Oceanic crust is more active than continental crust because it is thinner, younger, and more dense. This makes oceanic crust more prone to subduction beneath tectonic plates, leading to more frequent volcanic and seismic activity. Continental crust, on the other hand, is older, thicker, and less dense, resulting in fewer tectonic movements and less geologic activity.