answersLogoWhite

0

Continental plates are tectonic plates. They are tectonic plates upon which continents rest, and they move as do all tectonic plates. Basically, there is no difference, other than the fact that oceanic plates are another type of tectonic plate.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Name two types of tectonic plates?

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, found beneath the oceans, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, making up the Earth's landmasses. These two types of tectonic plates interact at boundaries, influencing processes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


What is the difference between ocianic and continental tectonic plates?

Oceanic tectonic plates are primarily composed of denser basaltic rock and are found beneath the oceans, while continental tectonic plates are made up of less dense granitic rock and form the continents. Oceanic plates are generally thinner and younger, constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges and recycled into the mantle at subduction zones. In contrast, continental plates are thicker, older, and can contain complex geological features like mountains and valleys. These differences influence geological activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, along plate boundaries.


Tectonic plates can include?

Oceanic plates, continental plates, and microplates are all examples of tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere. These plates move around due to the heat-driven convection currents in the Earth's mantle, causing phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain-building.


What do scientist call the areas of Earth's crust a.faults b.hemisphere c.tectonic plates d. continental shelves?

continental shelves


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 can tectonic plates also be called instead of tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are also "Continental Crust" and "Oceanic Crust". Also lithospheric plates.


How does the motion of the tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does motion of tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does the motion of tectonic plates relate continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


What is the difference between plate tectonic and tectonic plate?

Plate Tectonics is the process by by which the earth's tectonic plates move.


C There are two types of tectonic plates oceanic and continental what is the difference between these two types of plates?

The lithosphere displaces the asthenoshpere. Thick tectonic plates, such as those made of continental crust, displace more asthenosphere than do thin plates, such as those made of oceanic lithosphere. The lithosphere displaces the asthenoshpere. Thick tectonic plates, such as those made of continental crust, displace more asthenosphere than do thin plates, such as those made of oceanic lithosphere.


Name two types of tectonic plates?

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, found beneath the oceans, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, making up the Earth's landmasses. These two types of tectonic plates interact at boundaries, influencing processes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


What are the two types of tectonic?

The two types of tectonic plates are continental and oceanic.


What pushes up continental crust?

the tectonic plates


What are the two types of plates?

The two types of tectonic plates are continental and oceanic.


What is the difference between ocianic and continental tectonic plates?

Oceanic tectonic plates are primarily composed of denser basaltic rock and are found beneath the oceans, while continental tectonic plates are made up of less dense granitic rock and form the continents. Oceanic plates are generally thinner and younger, constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges and recycled into the mantle at subduction zones. In contrast, continental plates are thicker, older, and can contain complex geological features like mountains and valleys. These differences influence geological activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, along plate boundaries.


What are most tectonic plates composed of?

Tectonic plates are composed of both oceanic and continental crust. Oceanic plates are predominantly made of basaltic rock, while continental plates are primarily composed of granitic rock. The Earth's lithosphere, which includes the tectonic plates, is made up of these crustal rocks.