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Why does the oceanic crust sit lower in the mantle than the continental crust?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust due to its composition and age, causing it to sink lower into the mantle. The oceanic crust is also thinner and has been subjected to more intense heat and pressure, which contributes to its lower position in the mantle compared to the thicker, lighter continental crust.
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Why does the continental crust float higher on the mantle than on the oceanic crust?
Continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, causing it to float higher on the mantle. The continental crust is also compositionally different, with a greater amount of less dense materials like granite compared to the basaltic composition of oceanic crust. This difference in density and composition results in the continental crust floating higher on the mantle.
Why is oceanic crust lower than the continental crust?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is formed from basaltic magma at mid-ocean ridges, which cools quickly and is more compact. This denser oceanic crust tends to sink lower into the mantle compared to the less dense continental crust, which is primarily composed of less dense granite rocks.
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 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 do you think causes the difference in temperature between the 2 types of crust?
The temperature difference between oceanic and continental crust is primarily due to variations in their thickness and composition. Oceanic crust is thinner and denser, leading to higher temperatures in the mantle beneath it. In contrast, continental crust is thicker and less dense, resulting in lower temperatures.
Why does the continental crust float higher on the mantle than on the oceanic crust?
Continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, causing it to float higher on the mantle. The continental crust is also compositionally different, with a greater amount of less dense materials like granite compared to the basaltic composition of oceanic crust. This difference in density and composition results in the continental crust floating higher on the mantle.
What characteristics of continental crust allow it to float higher on the mantle than oceanic cruast?
Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust because it is thicker and composed of lighter materials, such as granite. This lower density allows continental crust to "float" higher on the more dense mantle beneath it, creating continents.
Why is oceanic crust lower than the continental crust?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is formed from basaltic magma at mid-ocean ridges, which cools quickly and is more compact. This denser oceanic crust tends to sink lower into the mantle compared to the less dense continental crust, which is primarily composed of less dense granite rocks.
Why does water float on Earth's surface?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, it floats lower in earths mantle.
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.
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.
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 layer of earth makes up the plates?
the crust + lithosphere earth's crust: crust crust continental crust lithosphere crust continental and oceanic crust mantle asthenosphere mantle lower mantle mantle outer core outer core inner core inner core
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.
Why is continental crust deeper than oceanic crust?
The oceans flow to the places where the crust is the lowest. Gravity causes them to flow downward. The mantle, below the crust, is at the same depth everywhere, so if the crust is lower, it is because it is thinner.
What do you think causes the difference in temperature between the 2 types of crust?
The temperature difference between oceanic and continental crust is primarily due to variations in their thickness and composition. Oceanic crust is thinner and denser, leading to higher temperatures in the mantle beneath it. In contrast, continental crust is thicker and less dense, resulting in lower temperatures.
What is a characteristic of subduction?
The correct answers are - B. Where oceanic crust meets continental crust, and C. Earthquakes.Subduction zones appear only on places where a crust of lower density (oceanic crust) meets a crust of higher density (continental crust).On the places where the oceanic crust meets the continental crust, the oceanic crust goes beneath the continental crust, this makes changes and readjustments in the inner part of the crust, and plus there's significant pressure from the mantle layer from beneath, so earthquakes are a very common occurrence.Check all that apply. A. Broad river deltas B. Where oceanic crust meets continental crust C. Earthquakes D. Two continents collide
