how is continental crust different from oceanic crust A continental crust is more dense and contains a lot of basalt, B continental crust is thinner and younger, C oceanic crust is thinner and younger, D oceanic crust is thicker and contains a lot of granite

1 answer

The correct option is C: oceanic crust is thinner and younger.

Here's a brief explanation to clarify:

  • Continental Crust: It is generally thicker (averaging about 30-50 km) and is composed predominantly of granitic rocks, which are less dense than basalt. The continental crust is older overall, with some parts being billions of years old.

  • Oceanic Crust: It is thinner (averaging about 5-10 km) and predominantly consists of basalt, which is denser than the rocks that make up the continental crust. Oceanic crust is also younger on average than continental crust, as it is continually being formed at mid-ocean ridges and recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones.

So, the distinction primarily revolves around thickness, age, and composition.