The oceanic crust is generally about 5 to 10 kilometers thick, which is significantly thinner than the continental crust, which can range from 30 to 70 kilometers in thickness. In terms of area, the oceanic crust covers about 60% of the Earth's surface, making it larger in extent compared to the continental crust. However, in terms of volume, the continental crust is much larger due to its greater thickness. Overall, while the oceanic crust is extensive in area, it is thinner compared to the continental crust.
Just as new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges, old oceanic crust is destroyed at subduction zones.
No, the oceanic crust is denser. That's why the land areas "float" so much higher than the ocean bedrock.
Ocean crust is younger than landform crust. Oceanic crust is constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges through volcanic activity, making it much younger in comparison to the older landform crust found on continents.
On average, it is much thicker than 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.
Continental crust is thicker, less dense, and typically older than oceanic crust. Oceanic crust is thinner, more dense, and younger as it is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges and being recycled at subduction zones.
The average density of oceanic crust is about 2.9 g/cm^3. Given that oceanic crust is typically around 7 km thick, the weight of a cubic meter of oceanic crust would be approximately 29,000 kg (or 29 metric tons).
Oceanic crust sinking under a plate with continental crust
When oceanic crust collides with continental crust, the denser oceanic crust is forced beneath the continental crust in a process called subduction. This happens because oceanic crust is heavier, colder, and more dense than continental crust, making it susceptible to being subducted under the lighter continental crust. This collision can result in the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, and deep ocean trenches.
Oceanic crust is mafic.
the oceanic crust is 0.
Oceanic crust is significantly denser.