Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The main difference between continental and oceanic crust lies in their composition, thickness, and density.
Continental crust is primarily composed of granitic rocks, which are lighter in color and less dense compared to oceanic crust. It is thicker, ranging from 30 to 50 kilometers in depth, and can extend above sea level to form continents. Continental crust is also older, with some parts dating back billions of years.
On the other hand, oceanic crust is mainly composed of basaltic rocks, which are darker and denser than granitic rocks. It is thinner, typically around 5 to 10 kilometers in depth, and is found beneath the oceans. Oceanic crust is relatively young, with most parts being less than 200 million years old.
Another significant difference is the presence of water. Continental crust contains large amounts of water in the form of lakes, rivers, and groundwater, while oceanic crust is submerged beneath seawater.
These differences in composition, thickness, density, age, and water content contribute to various geological phenomena and processes, such as the formation of mountains, the creation of oceanic trenches, and the occurrence of volcanic activity.