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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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When a continental crustal plate collides with an oceanic crustal plate the continental crust is forced to move over the oceanic crust What is the primary reason that the continental crust stays on?

The continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, which allows it to stay on top during a collision. The low density and greater thickness of continental crust help it resist subduction beneath the oceanic 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.


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.


What is the top most layer of the earth's surface?

The topmost layer of the Earth's surface is called the crust. It is the outermost solid shell of the Earth and is composed of various types of rocks, minerals, and soil. The crust is divided into two types: continental crust, which makes up the continents, and oceanic crust, which forms the ocean floors. The thickness of the crust varies, with continental crust being thicker than 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.

Related Questions

When a continental crustal plate collides with an oceanic crustal plate the continental crust is forced to move over the oceanic crust What is the primary reason that the continental crust stays on?

The continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, which allows it to stay on top during a collision. The low density and greater thickness of continental crust help it resist subduction beneath the oceanic 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.


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 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.


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.


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.


What is the top most layer of the earth's surface?

The topmost layer of the Earth's surface is called the crust. It is the outermost solid shell of the Earth and is composed of various types of rocks, minerals, and soil. The crust is divided into two types: continental crust, which makes up the continents, and oceanic crust, which forms the ocean floors. The thickness of the crust varies, with continental crust being thicker than oceanic crust.


Which type of crust will rise on top of the other?

A pie crust will typically rise on top of a pie filling when baked. The crust is placed on top of the filling before baking and as it cooks, it rises due to the leavening agents in the dough.


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 is the name of the outerlayer of the lithosphere?

The crust is the outer layer of the lithosphere.


What formed when lava cools and crystallizes on top of oceanic crust?

it becomes part of the oceanic crust