Oceanic crust is significantly thinner than continental crust due to differences in composition, age, and formation mechanisms. The oceanic crust is primarily composed of basalt, while continental crust consists mainly of granite, contributing to its greater thickness. Additionally, oceanic crust is younger, continuously formed at mid-ocean ridges, whereas continental crust can be billions of years old. Understanding these differences is crucial for geophysics studies.
PREREQUISITESGeophysics students, geology enthusiasts, and professionals in earth sciences seeking to understand the fundamental differences between oceanic and continental crust.
Your friend is wrong. What does your textbook say about the crust? What research have you done and what have you found?SeannyBoi71 said:Hi, I am doing a geophysics assignment and had some confusion. Basically I want to know why oceanic crust is so much thinner than continental crust. My friend has told me it's because there is less weight on top of it because the ocean water is not very dense, causing the mantle to rise up higher in that area. Doesn't seem right to me. Can someone please clarify?
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