The Earth’s crust is divided into two types: oceanic and continental. Oceanic crust is made up of basalt, while continental crust is made up of granite. The two types of crust are different in composition and thickness. Oceanic crust is thinner and denser than continental crust. Continental crust is also thicker and less dense than oceanic crust. The different compositions of the two types of crust are due to the different origins of basalt and granite. Basalt is a product of volcanic activity, while granite is a product of plate tectonics.
What is Oceanic Crust?
The oceanic crust is the Earth’s outermost solid layer. It sits beneath the oceans and is composed of rocks that are less dense than the rocks that make up the continental crust. The oceanic crust consists of two layers: the upper layer, which is made up of sediments, and the lower layer, which is made up of igneous rocks.
The oceanic crust is thinner than the continental crust and has a lower average density. This is because the oceanic crust is made up of less-heavy materials, such as basalt and gabbro. The oceanic crust is also less structurally stable than the continental crust.
The oceanic crust plays an important role in the global climate and water cycles. It helps to regulate the Earth’s temperature by absorbing heat from the Sun and releasing it into the atmosphere. Additionally, the oceanic crust helps to store vast amounts of water in its pores and fractures.
Understanding the oceanic crust is important for understanding how our planet works and how we can protect it.
What is Continental Crust?
Continental Crust is the thickest and oldest of Earth’s three main layers. Continental crust makes up about 40 percent of Earth’s surface and is composed of rocks that are less dense and more chemically diverse than those in the mantle or core. The rocks of the continental crust are thought to have formed from a process called accretion, in which smaller pieces of rock and dust coalesce to form larger ones.
Over time, the Continental Crust has been repeatedly recycled through a process called subduction, in which denser rocks are pulled down into the mantle by the force of gravity. As a result, the Continental Crust is constantly being renewed and its composition is constantly changing. However, it is still possible to identify some of the original rocks that formed Continental Crust billions of years ago. These ancient rocks are known as basement rocks, and they provide scientists with clues about the history of Continental Crust.
Difference between Oceanic and Continental Crust
The difference between oceanic and continental crust is largely a matter of composition. Oceanic crust is made up of dense, iron-rich rocks, while continental crust consists of lighter, silica-rich rocks. As a result, oceanic crust is much heavier than continental crust. This difference in weight leads to two major differences in the way the two types of crust interact with the earth’s mantle. First, oceanic crust is more dense than the mantle, so it sinks deep into the mantle when it forms.
Continental crust, on the other hand, is less dense than the mantle, so it floats on top of the mantle. Second, because oceanic crust is more dense, it cools faster than continental crust. As a result, oceanic crust is much thinner than continental crust. These differences between oceanic and continental crust help to explain why the two types of crust have different physical properties.
Conclusion
The difference between oceanic and continental crust is an important distinction to make when studying Earth’s tectonic plates. By understanding the properties of each type of crust, we can better understand how the plates move and what forces are at work beneath our feet.
