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The continental crust is less dense than the oceanic crust, so the oceanic crust sinks.
The earth has layers based on the density of the mineral assemblages. Solid iron core, liquid outer core, heterogenic graded mantle mineral assemblages.... the continental crust and oceanic crust are a part of the near surface of the grading with even the atmosphere grading outwards. The Continental crust is made up of less dense mineral assemblages primarily silicon rich granites and associated sediments. the Oceanic crust is made up of heavier elements like magnesium and Iron in the form of basalts and gabbros.
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Does the Hudson Bay sit on top of continental or oceanic crust?
The Hudson Bay sits on top of both the continental and oceanic crust.
What is oceanic crust and continental crust made of?
Oceanic crust is predominately made of basaltic rock with a thin layer of sedimentary rock on top. Continental crust is predominately made of granitic rock, with a thin layer of sedimentary rock covering much of the visible surface.
Is the oceanic crust a thick layer?
Continental plates are thicker and of lower density than oceanic plates. They float like giant rock icebergs deeply embedded in the upper part of the mantle, while oceanic plates form more of a surface skin on the top of the mantle.
When two plates collide what determines which plate comes out on top?
The more dense plate subducts (goes under) the less dense plate. For example if continental and oceanic crust collide oceanic crust will go underneath the continental.
What is the top most layer of the earth's surface?
Soil is the topmost layer of the Earth's crust.
Does the Hudson Bay sit on top of continental or oceanic crust?
The Hudson Bay sits on top of both the continental and oceanic crust.
What is the difference between contiental crust and oceanic crust?
Continental crust is on top of the oceanic crust Continental crust is made of granite whereas oceanic crust is made of basalt Continental crust is partly above sea level and partly below whereas oceanic crust is always below sea level.
Why is it important to understand how oceanic and continental crusts move?
The top layer of the Earth's surface is called the crust (it lies on top of the plates). Oceanic crust (the thin crust under the oceans) is thinner and denser than continental crust. Crust is constantly being created and destroyed; oceanic crust is more active than continental crust.
Which type of crust will rise on top of the other?
Continental crust over Oceanic crust.
Why is continental crust thicker than oceanis crust?
the weight of all the water on top of the oceanic crust compacts it making it thinner but denser.
What is oceanic crust and continental crust made of?
Oceanic crust is predominately made of basaltic rock with a thin layer of sedimentary rock on top. Continental crust is predominately made of granitic rock, with a thin layer of sedimentary rock covering much of the visible surface.
What caused the first land masses to form on earth?
Granitic crust, a.k.a continental crust, began to form, which happened to be less dense than oceanic crust. Therefore, the continental crust went on top of the oceanic, thus creating the first land mass on Earth.
Is the oceanic crust a thick layer?
Continental plates are thicker and of lower density than oceanic plates. They float like giant rock icebergs deeply embedded in the upper part of the mantle, while oceanic plates form more of a surface skin on the top of the mantle.
Why does ocean crust dive below continental crust?
The ocean crust dives below the continental crust due to a collision. This collision involves the two types of crust and since the oceanic crust is denser, it sinks to the bottom while the less dense continental crust rises to the top.
When two plates collide what determines which plate comes out on top?
The more dense plate subducts (goes under) the less dense plate. For example if continental and oceanic crust collide oceanic crust will go underneath the continental.
When two plates collide what determines which plates comes out on top?
The more dense plate subducts (goes under) the less dense plate. For example if continental and oceanic crust collide oceanic crust will go underneath the continental.
What is the top most layer of the earth's surface?
Soil is the topmost layer of the Earth's crust.
