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Oceanic crust is created on Mid ocean ridges and of basaltic composition. Oceanic crust is on average comparatively young as it is subducted into the mantle in subduction zones. Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than average continental crust.
The composition and age distribution of continental crust is much more complicated than that of oceanic crust. It is on average less dense and much thicker than oceanic crust and its composition is roughly that of a tonalite (something similar to a granite but with less alkali feldspar). Apart from igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks, the sedimentary rocks add a lot to the variety of lithologies found on the continents (carbonates, evaporites, sandstones, shales, conglomerates, etc.).
As opposed to oceanic crust, continental crust is not subducted into the mantle in large quantities but has been gradually accumulating over geologic timescales.
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Why are oceanic plates lower than continental plates?
Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which causes them to be lower in elevation. The denser oceanic plates are effectively pulled downward by gravity, causing them to sink beneath the less dense continental plates. This difference in density and thickness results in oceanic plates being lower than continental plates.
What is the difference between Continental plates and Tectonic plates?
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.
Why do oceanic plates dive underneath continental plates when they collide?
Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates due to their composition, so when they collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced to dive (subduct) beneath the less dense continental plate. This process occurs due to the difference in density between the two types of plates, leading to the oceanic plate sinking into the mantle.
What types of boundaries have subduction zones?
Convergent boundaries can form between two oceanic plates, between one oceanic plate and one continental plate, or between two continental plates.
Which kind of earth's plates is heavier and which is lighter?
Oceanic plates are heavier than continental plates because they are denser and thinner. Continental plates are lighter because they are less dense and thicker. The difference in density and composition accounts for the varying weights of the Earth's plates.
What is the difference between continentalcrust and the oceanic?
Continental crust is thicker and less dense while oceanic crust is thinner and more dense, so essentially continental crust takes a higher position than oceanic crust. When oceanic and continental plates collide, oceanic plates slide underneath continental plates(if this makes what I said any clearer).
Why are oceanic plates lower than continental plates?
Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which causes them to be lower in elevation. The denser oceanic plates are effectively pulled downward by gravity, causing them to sink beneath the less dense continental plates. This difference in density and thickness results in oceanic plates being lower than continental plates.
Convergence can occur between what types of plates?
Convergence can occur between oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental plates. This process typically leads to the formation of mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.
What is the difference between Continental plates and Tectonic plates?
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.
Why do oceanic plates dive underneath continental plates when they collide?
Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates due to their composition, so when they collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced to dive (subduct) beneath the less dense continental plate. This process occurs due to the difference in density between the two types of plates, leading to the oceanic plate sinking into the mantle.
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.
What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?
Continental plates are thicker and less dense. Continental plates are mainly granitic in composition. Oceanic plates are mainly basaltic in composition. The rock of continental plates is on average, much older than the rock of the oceanic plates. The oceanic plate underlies the oceans, and the continental plate makes up the land masses. Continental plates do not subduct at convergent plate boundaries.
What types of boundaries have subduction zones?
Convergent boundaries can form between two oceanic plates, between one oceanic plate and one continental plate, or between two continental plates.
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.
Which kind of earth's plates is heavier and which is lighter?
Oceanic plates are heavier than continental plates because they are denser and thinner. Continental plates are lighter because they are less dense and thicker. The difference in density and composition accounts for the varying weights of the Earth's plates.
What is the difference between oceanic plate and continential plate?
Oceanic plates are young and made of basalt and recent sediments. Continental plates are old and contain continental crust made of old rocks and they are usually considerably thicker than the oceanic plates
What happens at the boundary between the oceanic and continental plates?
Zombie apocalypse.
