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What is the difference in density in mafic rocks in relation to felsic rocks?
Mafic rocks, such as those found in the oceanic crust, are more dense than the felsic rocks found in the continental crust.
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.
Why is the main reason that oceanic crust is heavier than continental crust?
Oceanic crust is mafic in composition and continental crust is felsic in composition. Mafic minerals generally have a higher density than felsic minerals and therefore, the oceanic crust is heavier.
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 planet has felsic continent?
Earth has felsic continents, which are composed of lighter-colored, silica-rich rocks like granite. The continental crust is primarily felsic in composition, while the oceanic crust is mafic, made up of darker, denser rocks like basalt.
What is the lithosphere made of mafic or felsic?
Its made up of both. Oceanic crust is mostly mafic magma (basalt) and continental crust is mafic and felsic. The lithosphere also contains the upper portion of the upper mantle which is mostly mafic. The earths crust is 60% Si02 (silicates). Felsic rocks are much more silicate heavy than mafic. So one would assume that the crust is more felsic than mafic. That's just my conceptual thought process so don't take me on my word. Then again, the lithosphere also contains the upper mantle which is heavily mafic. So maybe the lithosphere in total is more mafic? Basically just typing thoughts down as they enter my brain. Answer I know for certain- Lithosphere is mafic and felsic.
Is continental and oceanic crust less or more dense than mafic?
Continental and oceanic crust are both less dense than mafic rocks. Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic materials, while oceanic crust is mainly basaltic, which is mafic in composition. However, basalt is denser than the average continental crust, making oceanic crust denser than continental crust but still less dense than pure mafic rocks. Therefore, in general, both types of crust are less dense than mafic materials.
Why does the oceanic crust go under the continental crust when they collide?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed of mafic rocks like basalt, whereas continental crust is made of felsic rocks like granite. This density difference causes the oceanic crust to subduct under the less dense continental crust when they collide at convergent plate boundaries.
Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?
No, oceanic lithosphere contains more mafic rocks compared to continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is mainly composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock, whereas continental lithosphere is composed of a variety of rock types, including granitic rocks which are more felsic in composition.
Why are felsic rocks melted by mafic magmas but mafic rocks are not melted by felsic magmas?
Felsic rocks have a lower melting point than mafic rocks and felsic magma has a lower temperature. In other words, felsic magma is not hot enough to melt mafic rock while mafic magma is hot enough to melt felsic rock.
How do you list characteristics of mafic and magma?
Mafic magma is high in magnesium and iron, has a low silica content, and is less viscous compared to felsic magma. Mafic lava typically produces dark-colored rocks like basalt and is associated with oceanic crust. Mafic magma tends to erupt more quietly and flow more easily due to its lower viscosity.
