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Why does the continental crust float higher on the mantle than on the oceanic crust?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
the oceanic crust is more dense therefore it sinks lower than continental crust
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Why does the oceanic crust sit lower in the mantle than the continental crust?
Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust.
How do continental crust differ from oceanic?
Continental crust is predominantly composed mostly of rock of a granitic composition, higher in silica and aluminum, with layers of sedimentary rock above. Oceanic crust is predominantly basaltic (higher in iron and magnesium), darker, thinner, more dense, and formed from rapid cooling of lava.
Why are the continents placed above the oceans?
Because continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, it "floats" higher on the underlying mantle rock. Notice how high the continental crust rises above the oceanic crust in this cross section of the North American Plate. Oceanic crust is made of dense basalt; continental crust consists of less dense granite
Why is oceanic crust always subducted underneath the continental crust?
Oceanic crust subducts under continental crust because it is denser. Continental crust's density is too low for it to be forced into the mantle.
Where does the oceanic crust begin?
The continental shelf is normally made out of continental crust, the oceanic crust begins at the base of the continental rise. However in most places the oceanic crust near the continental margins is covered by continental sediments (eroded form the continents) carried down onto the Oceanic planes by deep sea canyons running off the continental rises.
What characteristics of continental crust allow it to float higher on the mantle than oceanic cruast?
Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust.
Why does continental crusts stand higher on the mantle then oceanic crust?
Because Oceanic crust is more dense and the Continental Crust is mountains which are a lot taller than sea floor.
Does the continental or the oceanic crust extend farther into the mantle?
The continental crust because it is thicker than the oceanic crust
Why does the oceanic crust sit lower in the mantle than the continental crust?
Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust.
How do continental crust differ from oceanic?
Continental crust is predominantly composed mostly of rock of a granitic composition, higher in silica and aluminum, with layers of sedimentary rock above. Oceanic crust is predominantly basaltic (higher in iron and magnesium), darker, thinner, more dense, and formed from rapid cooling of lava.
Continental crust and the difference between oceanic crust?
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.
Why are the continents placed above the oceans?
Because continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, it "floats" higher on the underlying mantle rock. Notice how high the continental crust rises above the oceanic crust in this cross section of the North American Plate. Oceanic crust is made of dense basalt; continental crust consists of less dense granite
Oceanic crust is lighter than the continental crust?
No, the oceanic crust is denser. That's why the land areas "float" so much higher than the ocean bedrock.
Why is oceanic crust always subducted underneath the continental crust?
Oceanic crust subducts under continental crust because it is denser. Continental crust's density is too low for it to be forced into the mantle.
What and the difference between oceanic and continental?
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.
Where does the oceanic crust begin?
The continental shelf is normally made out of continental crust, the oceanic crust begins at the base of the continental rise. However in most places the oceanic crust near the continental margins is covered by continental sediments (eroded form the continents) carried down onto the Oceanic planes by deep sea canyons running off the continental rises.
Why does the continental crust go father down into the mantle than the oceanic crust?
Continental crust, on average, is much thicker than oceanic crust. Because of the principles of isostacy and buoyancy, the continental crust will protrude more deeply into the asthenosphere than oceanic crust.
