answersLogoWhite

0

The density of the continental crust typically ranges from about 2.6 to 3.0 grams per cubic centimeter. This variation depends on the composition and thickness of the crust, with granitic rocks generally being less dense than basaltic rocks found in oceanic crust. The average density of the continental crust is often considered to be around 2.7 g/cm³.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

2mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What portion of the earths crust is more dense oceanic or contenintal?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust. Oceanic crust has a density of about 3 g/cm^3, while continental crust has a lower density of about 2.7 g/cm^3.


Which type of crust has higher density between oceanic or continental?

Oceanic crust has a higher density compared to continental crust. This is primarily due to its composition; oceanic crust is predominantly made up of basalt, which is denser than the granitic rocks that make up much of continental crust. As a result, oceanic crust typically ranges from about 7 to 10 kilometers in thickness, while continental crust can be much thicker but is less dense overall.


What is the primary reason that the continential crust stays on top of the oceanic crust?

The primary reason continental crust remains above oceanic crust is its lower density. Continental crust is primarily composed of lighter, less dense rocks like granite, while oceanic crust is denser, made mostly of basalt. This difference in density causes the buoyant continental crust to "float" on the denser oceanic crust beneath it, resulting in the continental crust being elevated above sea level.


What layer of the earth is composed of material of the highest density?

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust.


What is one major difference between oceanic crust and continental crust?

One major difference between oceanic crust and continental crust is their composition and density. Oceanic crust is primarily composed of basalt and is denser and thinner, averaging about 7 kilometers in thickness. In contrast, continental crust is mainly composed of lighter granitic rocks and is thicker, averaging around 30-50 kilometers. This difference in density contributes to the distinct characteristics of oceanic and continental tectonic plates.

Related Questions

What is a continental crust?

the continental crust is the plate crust formed under the continent (less density) as opposed to oceanic crustformed under the ocean(higher density)


What is the density of continental crust and oceanic crust?

The specific gravity, on average, of continental crust is 2.7. For oceanic crust, it's 2.9.


How does the density of oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is primarily composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock with a higher density than the felsic rocks that make up continental crust. Additionally, oceanic crust is thinner and younger than continental crust, contributing to its higher density.


Granite is a low-density rock that makes up the what crust?

Granitic rock forms the majority of the continental crust.


Does earth's crust have the same density?

No, the density of Earth's crust varies depending on the type of rock and location. Generally, continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust. Continental crust is composed mostly of granite and has an average density of about 2.7 g/cm^3, while oceanic crust, which is mainly basalt, has an average density of about 3.0 g/cm^3.


Why does the oceanic crust sink beneath the continental crust at the subduction zone?

density


Is the density low or high for the oceanic crust?

The density of oceanic crust is generally higher than continental crust due to its composition of mostly basaltic rock. This higher density causes oceanic crust to be thinner and denser, leading to its subduction beneath continental crust at convergent plate boundaries.


Why is the oceananic crust more dense then the continental crust?

Oceanic crust is composed of minerals with a higher density than those found in continental crustal rock.


How does density of the oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust and is comprised of mainly mafic minerals (Mg, Fe), as opposed to continental crust, which is mainly felsic (Al and Si rich).


How does density of oceanic crust differ from that of continental crust?

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust and is comprised of mainly mafic minerals (Mg, Fe), as opposed to continental crust, which is mainly felsic (Al and Si rich).


What is a Earth crust?

the continental crust is the plate crust formed under the continent (less density) as opposed to oceanic crustformed under the ocean(higher density)


What portion of the earths crust is more dense oceanic or contenintal?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust. Oceanic crust has a density of about 3 g/cm^3, while continental crust has a lower density of about 2.7 g/cm^3.