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continental is more buoyant

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Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath convergent lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


What two crusts make up the Earth's crust?

The Earth's crust is divided into two types: continental crust, which is thicker, less dense, and composed mainly of granite rocks; and oceanic crust, which is thinner, more dense, and composed mainly of basalt rocks.


What plate is denser than the underlying asthenosphere?

The oceanic lithosphere is denser than the underlying asthenosphere. This density is primarily due to the composition of the oceanic crust, which is mainly basaltic, and the oceanic lithosphere as a whole is denser than the more buoyant continental lithosphere. The greater density of the oceanic plate contributes to its ability to subduct beneath continental plates at convergent boundaries.


Why does continental crusts stand higher on the mantle then oceanic crust?

Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust because it is made up of mostly granitic rocks, while oceanic crust is composed of denser basaltic rocks. This difference in density causes continental crust to "float" higher on the underlying mantle, creating land above sea level.


What are the two types of crust and which rocks make up each crust?

there are two types of crust such as the oceanic crust and the continental crust, the oceanic crust is thinner and more dense than the continental crust and is constantly being recycled via subduction upon collisions with Continental crust, and creating at mid-ocean ridges. x

Related Questions

Which is more buoyant a continental plate or oceanic plate?

Continental plates are more buoyant then oceanic plates.


Are continental plates more buoyant than oceanic plates?

Yes, continental plates are more buoyant than oceanic plates because they are thicker and less dense. Continental plates are made up of less dense material such as granite, while oceanic plates are primarily composed of denser basaltic rock. This difference in density causes continental plates to float higher on the underlying mantle.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundary's?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sinks beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath convergent lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


What is the difference of continental crust and oceanic crust?

Two differences are that the oceanic crust is more dense than continental, and continental crust is composed mostly of granite, while oceanic is mostly basalt


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?

The density of the continental (granitic) lithosphere is lower than oceanic (basaltic) lithosphere. Consequently, due to buoyancy, the continental crust rides above the oceanic lithosphere and thus is not subducted. However, it is thought that pieces of the continental lithosphere break off and are subducted along with the oceanic lithosphere.


What two crusts make up the Earth's crust?

The Earth's crust is divided into two types: continental crust, which is thicker, less dense, and composed mainly of granite rocks; and oceanic crust, which is thinner, more dense, and composed mainly of basalt rocks.


Characteristics of oceanic and continental crusts?

Oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and primarily composed of basaltic rock, while continental crust is thicker, less dense, and mainly consists of granitic rock. Oceanic crust is younger and continuously forming at mid-ocean ridges, whereas continental crust is older and more stable. Oceanic crust is also denser because it is made from more mafic, iron and magnesium-rich rocks.


What is a possible land form that can be created at a convergent plate with a continental plate and a oceanic plate?

As the denser, heavier oceanic plate is forced under the lighter, more buoyant continental crust a volcanic mountain chain is usually formed - such as the Andes mountains, and the Cascadia volcanic range.


Why does continental crusts stand higher on the mantle then oceanic crust?

Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust because it is made up of mostly granitic rocks, while oceanic crust is composed of denser basaltic rocks. This difference in density causes continental crust to "float" higher on the underlying mantle, creating land above sea level.


What are the Differences in height between continental crust and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is generally thicker and more buoyant than oceanic crust, with an average thickness of around 30-50 km compared to about 5-10 km for oceanic crust. This means that continental crust stands higher above sea level compared to oceanic crust, which lies lower below sea level.