How do continental crust and oceanic crust differ?

The two crust type differ greatly in chemical composition and age. Continental crust has much more silicates, and as magma is classified as felsic meaning it is rich in feldspar and related minerals. read more

The difference between oceanic and continental crust rock material is the density and explains why the oceanic crust is beneath the ocean's surface while continental crust can rise into the Earth's atmosphere in the form of mountain peaks. read more

The oceanic crust is thinner than the continental crust. Continental Crust The continental crust accounts for 40% of the surface of the Earth. It is made up of granite rock which is light in color. This rock is rich in constituents like silicon, aluminum, and oxygen. The density of the continental crust is much less as compared to the oceanic crust. read more

Oceanic crust is thinner as a layer to a continental crust. 4–7km thick vs 10–35km thick. The oceanic crust as also much denser due to its igneous or magmatic composition. The continental crust is more buoyant and made up of less dense material and so it will sit higher on the mantle than the ocean crust. read more