Why does the continental crust rise higher than the oceanic crust?

Question

Responses

A The oceanic crust is younger.The oceanic crust is younger.

B The continental crust is thicker.The continental crust is thicker.

C The continental crust is less dense.The continental crust is less dense.

D The oceanic crust is made up of primarily granite.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

C. The continental crust is less dense.

The continental crust is generally less dense than the oceanic crust, which allows it to "float" higher on the underlying mantle, resulting in the continental crust sitting at a higher elevation than the oceanic crust. The distinction between the types of crust is primarily due to their composition, with oceanic crust composed mainly of denser basaltic rocks, while continental crust is primarily composed of less dense granitic rocks.