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The low-density crust rich in silica is primarily composed of granitic rocks, which include minerals like quartz and feldspar. This type of crust is typically found in continental regions and is less dense than the basaltic rocks that make up the oceanic crust. The high silica content contributes to its lighter weight and buoyancy compared to denser materials found deeper in the Earth.

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4d ago

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What is the compition for the crust?

Crust is made up of mainly granite, a felsic rock wit a lower density than basalt, what makes up the ocean's crust, thus why the continental crust rises up compared to ocean crust.


What is the composition of the crust under the continents How do you know?

The crust under continents is primarily composed of granitic rocks, which are rich in silica and aluminum. We know this through studies of rock samples collected from the Earth's surface and seismic data that provide information about the composition and structure of the crust beneath continents. Additionally, drilling projects such as the Mohole project have allowed for direct observations of crustal composition at depth.


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.


Is obsidian made of silica?

Not entirely, though it is rather rich in silica.


Continental crust and the difference between oceanic crust?

Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic, which is denser, while continental crust is made from mostly basaltic and sedimentary rocks, which are less dense. This difference in density is why the oceanic crust sinks lower (thus the oceans) and the continental crust rides higher (thus the continents) on the mantle.

Related Questions

What composition is earths crust?

oceanic crust is made of basalt while continental crust is made of silica rich rocks like granite.


Milky white mineral made of silica?

A milky white mineral made up of silica is quartz. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on the Earth's crust.


What is silica made out of?

Silica is seen commonly in nature as sandstone, silica sand or quartzite. It is one of the most abundant oxide materials in the earth's crust. There are three crystalline forms of silica: quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite.


What is earth's crust made of?

Mostly Silica (Silicon Dioxide); with a wide variety of other minerals as well.


Where does silica, a key component in many industries, originate from?

Silica, a key component in many industries, originates from the Earth's crust. It is a mineral compound made up of silicon and oxygen atoms.


Is granite made by magma that was trapped in the earth's crust?

Yes. Granite forms when silica-rich magma cools underground.


What is the oceanic crust mostly made of?

Itis made mostly of Bsalt and it's density is higher.


Which layer of the earth is made up of low density materials such as oxygen silicon and aluminum?

The Earth's crust is made up of low-density materials such as oxygen, silicon, and aluminum. This layer is divided into two parts: the continental crust, which is thicker and less dense than the oceanic crust.


What is the oceanic crust mostly of?

Itis made mostly of Bsalt and it's density is higher.


What are the two main types of crust on earth?

Oceanic crust-made up primarily of basalt-4-5 kilometers deepContinental crust-made up of granite-low density: allows it to "float" on the much higher density mantle below-20-30 miles deep


What is the compition for the crust?

Crust is made up of mainly granite, a felsic rock wit a lower density than basalt, what makes up the ocean's crust, thus why the continental crust rises up compared to ocean crust.


What is glass and how it is made?

Glass is silica dioxide. It is made by melting silica sand.