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The average continental rock is less dense than the average oceanic rock. This is why when an oceanic and continental plate collide, the continental plate does not get subducted. There are varyations within the continental plates however, with some rocks being muck more dense and some being much less dense than the average.

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When oceanic plates collide with continental plates the oceanic plate goes under the continental plate because?

The oceanic plate subduct under the continental because oceanic is made from basalt(rock) which is denser than andesite and granite(continental)


When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate which plate is subducted?

When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the oceanic plate is always subducted. Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates, and they have a higher iron content. Since they are denser, oceanic plates always sink below the continental plate in the event of a collision.


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.


When a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide why does the oceanic plate sink below the continental plate?

The oceanic plate is denser than the continental plate due to its composition of heavier mafic rock. This density difference causes the oceanic plate to sink below the continental plate in a process known as subduction.


How are oceanic and continental crust alike and how are they different?

Oceanic and Continental crusts are alike because they both shift and move and grow. They differ by there rock types. Oceanic crust is made up of dense basalt while continental crust is made up of less dense granite.

Related Questions

Which type of plate is denser continental or oceanic?

oceanic as it is colder; therefore denser


When oceanic plates collide with continental plates the oceanic plate goes under the continental plate because?

The oceanic plate subduct under the continental because oceanic is made from basalt(rock) which is denser than andesite and granite(continental)


Is the Nazca Plate oceanic or continental?

The Oceanic plate denser than the continental plat because it contain magnesium,which is denser than aluminum found in continental plates.


Characteristics of oceanic and continental crusts?

Oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and primarily composed of basaltic rock, while continental crust is thicker, less dense, and mainly consists of granitic rock. Oceanic crust is younger and continuously forming at mid-ocean ridges, whereas continental crust is older and more stable. Oceanic crust is also denser because it is made from more mafic, iron and magnesium-rich rocks.


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.


Oceanic crust is denser than the continental crust because it contains more of which three elements?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it contains more magnesium, iron, and calcium. These heavier elements contribute to the higher density of the oceanic crust compared to the continental crust.


Is oceanic continental crust denser?

Yes it is


What accounts for the difference in density between oceanic and continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is made up of denser rock types, such as basalt, and it is also thinner and younger. Continental crust is less dense because it is composed of lighter rock types, such as granite, and is thicker and older due to the accumulation of layers over time.


Compared to earths continental crust earths oceanic crust is?

Earth's oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and younger than Earth's continental crust. It is primarily composed of basaltic rock, whereas continental crust is made up of less dense granitic rock. Oceanic crust is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones.


Oceanic crust slides under continental crust during subduction because oceanic crust is .?

denser (Apex)


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.


When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate which plate is subducted?

When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the oceanic plate is always subducted. Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates, and they have a higher iron content. Since they are denser, oceanic plates always sink below the continental plate in the event of a collision.