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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.


How do volcano's form when oceanic and continental plates collide?

Mountains form where continental and oceanic plates collide by the actions of the plates upon one another. Often one plate pushes up and over the other one, and the upper one creates a row of mountains.


Does seafloor displaces more of the mantle that the same thickness of the continental crust?

Yes, the denser oceanic crust of the seafloor will displace more mantle material compared to the same thickness of continental crust due to its higher density. This is because the thicker, less dense continental crust floats higher on the mantle compared to the thinner, denser oceanic crust.


Why does oceanic plate always slide under a continental plate what they collide?

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which allows them to subduct or slide beneath the continental plates during a collision. This subduction occurs because the denser oceanic crust is forced down into the mantle, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. Additionally, the buoyancy of the thicker continental crust prevents it from being subducted in the same way.


How much older are the oceanic rocks than the continental rocks?

Oceanic rocks are generally younger than continental rocks, with oceanic crust averaging about 200 million years old and continental crust averaging about 2.5 billion years old. This is due to the process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is constantly being formed and pushing older crust away.

Related Questions

Is heat flow the same between the continental and oceanic crust?

Apparently No, heat flow in oceanic crust is higher 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.


Why would a certain thickness of continental crust displace less of the mantle than the same thickness of oceanic crust?

Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust, so it floats higher on the mantle. This means that the same thickness of continental crust will displace less mantle compared to oceanic crust. Additionally, continental crust is composed of lighter rocks like granites, while oceanic crust is made of denser rocks like basalt.


How are continental crust and oceanic crust are alike?

Oceanic and continental crust contain the same elements. Both also move and shift and grow continuously. They are different because of their density.


How do volcano's form when oceanic and continental plates collide?

Mountains form where continental and oceanic plates collide by the actions of the plates upon one another. Often one plate pushes up and over the other one, and the upper one creates a row of mountains.


Which direction does heat flow from when both temperatures are the same?

When both temperatures are the same, heat does NOT flow between objects.


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 is oceanic plate denser than continental plate?

Oceanic plates are primarily made up of basaltic rock while continental plates are primarily made of granitic rock. Basalt is denser than granite which allows oceanic plates to subduct beneath continental plates.


How are the continental crust and the oceanic crust the same?

Both are made of brittle hard rock that is mostly silicate in nature.


Does seafloor displaces more of the mantle that the same thickness of the continental crust?

Yes, the denser oceanic crust of the seafloor will displace more mantle material compared to the same thickness of continental crust due to its higher density. This is because the thicker, less dense continental crust floats higher on the mantle compared to the thinner, denser oceanic crust.


What are the two different types of islands?

The two main types of islands are continental islands, which are formed from the same landmass as a nearby continent, and oceanic islands, which are formed from underwater volcanic activity or coral reefs. Continental islands tend to be larger and closer to continents, while oceanic islands are typically smaller and more isolated.


Do lithospheric plates include both continental crust and oceanic crust?

Yes, lithospheric plates can include both continental and oceanic crust. These plates are composed of the rigid outer layer of Earth's surface, which consists of the upper part of the mantle and the crust. Continental crust is less dense and thicker than oceanic crust, but both can form part of lithospheric plates.