Understanding The Differences Between Continental And Oceanic Crusts: Age, Origin, And Properties
Continental and oceanic crusts differ in age, origin, and properties. Continental crust, older and thicker, formed by melting and alteration of oceanic crust over billions of years. It’s composed of lighter, felsic rocks (e.g., granite) and is less dense. Oceanic crust, younger and thinner, forms at mid-ocean ridges where magma rises and solidifies; it’s made…