Chapter 26, Problem 10RQ

To determine

The difference between continental crust and oceanic crust.

Answer to Problem 10RQ

Continental crust is the land on which living beings are there and the oceanic crust consists of ocean floors.

Explanation of Solution

Continental crust is the part of the land where living beings are there and it is thicker than the oceanic crust. The thickness of the continental crust is about 20 km to 60 km. Continental crust consists of granite rocks that float higher on the mantle than oceanic crust. This crust has deeper roots for the balance.

Oceanic crust is the ocean floor and the crust of oceanic crust is thinner than continental crust. The thickness of the oceanic crust is 10 km and it consists of dense basaltic rocks.

The granite rocks of the continental crust are less denser than basaltic rocks; that’s why they are mostly above the sea level.

Conclusion:

Therefore, continental crust is the land on which living beings are there and the oceanic crust consists of ocean floors.