Oceanic crust is ____ than continental crust and therefore ____ isostatically.
A) denser; sinks
B) denser; rises
C) lighter; sinks
D) lighter; rises

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust due to its composition of primarily basalt and gabbro, while continental crust mainly consists of granite and sedimentary rocks. This causes oceanic crust to sink isostatically, meaning it will sink lower in the mantle due to its greater density, whereas continental crust will rise higher due to its lower density.

Oceanic Crust Is ____ Than Continental Crust and Therefore ____

Oceanic Crust Is Than Continental Crust and Therefore