Is it oceanic or continental crust?

  • Thread starter meemoe_uk
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In summary, oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and younger than continental crust and is composed of basaltic rocks. It is formed through seafloor spreading and has an average thickness of 7 km. Continental crust is primarily made up of granitic rocks, is thicker with an average thickness of 35 km, and can turn into continental crust through subduction.
  • #1
meemoe_uk
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hi all.
anyone here know why some of the Earth's crust which by simple inspection appears to be oceanic crust has been labelled as continental crust by NOAA?

oceanfloor_ques_zpsb94c459d.png
 
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  • #2
Because, on closer inspection, that is what it turns out to be.
 

1. What is the main difference between oceanic and continental crust?

The main difference between oceanic and continental crust is that oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and younger than continental crust. Oceanic crust is composed of basaltic rocks, while continental crust is primarily made up of granitic rocks.

2. How is oceanic crust formed?

Oceanic crust is formed through seafloor spreading, where molten rock (magma) rises up from the mantle and cools to form new crust on the ocean floor. This process is driven by plate tectonics and results in the formation of mid-ocean ridges and new oceanic crust.

3. What is the average thickness of oceanic crust?

The average thickness of oceanic crust is approximately 7 km (4.3 miles). However, this thickness can vary depending on location and age, with younger crust being thinner and older crust being thicker due to the cooling and thickening process over time.

4. How does continental crust differ from oceanic crust in terms of composition?

Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic rocks, which are less dense and lighter in color compared to the basaltic rocks that make up oceanic crust. Continental crust also contains a wider variety of minerals and has a thicker composition, with an average thickness of 35 km (21.7 miles).

5. Can oceanic crust turn into continental crust?

In rare cases, oceanic crust can turn into continental crust through a process called subduction. This happens when one tectonic plate (usually an oceanic plate) is forced under another plate (usually a continental plate), causing the oceanic crust to melt and mix with the continental crust, forming new continental crust over time.

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