What is the difference between oceanic crust and continental crust?

The density of the continental crust is much less as compared to the oceanic crust. It has an approximate value of 2.6 g/cm3. Due to this difference in densities in magma between the oceanic crust and the continental crust, the continents stay in their places, and both crusts are able to float on the magma. 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

• Oceanic crust is mainly basalt whereas continental crust is mainly granite. • Oceanic crust is relatively younger than continental crust. • Continental crust is made up of landmasses, whereas oceanic crust is the floor of the oceans. • Continental crust is thicker (25-70 km) than oceanic crust (7-10 km) and is nearly 35-40km deep. read more