Earth's Crust: Continental and Oceanic
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Earth's Crust: Continental and Oceanic

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes the continental crust from the oceanic crust in terms of their age?

  • The oceanic crust is older due to less tectonic activity.
  • The continental crust is younger due to constant formation.
  • The continental crust is generally much older. (correct)
  • The oceanic crust is older due to its thickness.
  • Where are landforms such as volcanoes, valleys, and mountain ranges typically formed?

  • In the continental crust. (correct)
  • In the Earth's mantle.
  • In the mid ocean ridges.
  • In the oceanic crust.
  • What process is responsible for the constant formation of new oceanic crust?

  • Seafloor Spreading (correct)
  • Continental Drift
  • Plate Tectonics
  • Earthquake Activity
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of the oceanic crust?

    <p>It is involved in tectonic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be said about the thickness of the oceanic crust compared to the continental crust?

    <p>It is thinner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary composition of the Outer Core?

    <p>Molten iron and nickel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the Lithosphere?

    <p>Rigid and brittle layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface?

    <p>Convection currents within the Asthenosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of extreme pressure on the molten iron and nickel in the Inner Core?

    <p>Pressure freezing of iron and nickel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the Asthenosphere?

    <p>Soft and weak layer made of hot molten material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the thickest layer of the Earth?

    <p>The Mantle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Earth's Crust

    • The crust is the outermost and thinnest layer of the Earth.

    Types of Crust

    • There are two regions of the crust: Continental Crust and Oceanic Crust.

    Continental Crust

    • This type of crust is where landforms such as volcanoes, valleys, and mountain ranges are formed.
    • Thicker than the Oceanic Crust.
    • Generally much older than the Oceanic Crust.

    Oceanic Crust

    • Involved in tectonic activity, including earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes.
    • Thinner in comparison to the Continental Crust.
    • Younger than the Continental Crust due to constant formation at the mid-ocean ridges through Seafloor Spreading.

    The Earth's Layers

    • The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, comprising semi-liquid rock due to high pressure and heat.
    • It is where tectonic plates are in constant motion.

    The Lithosphere

    • The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
    • It is rigid and brittle, prone to breaking and forming faults.
    • The lithosphere is crucial for terrestrial life, forming the Earth's landmasses and ocean basins.

    The Asthenosphere

    • The asthenosphere is a soft and weak layer made of hot, molten material.
    • It has the ability to flow, allowing convection currents to occur.
    • These convection currents, driven by heat from the Earth's interior, are responsible for the movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface.

    The Outer Core

    • The outer core is thick and composed of iron and nickel.
    • Due to high temperatures, the iron and nickel in this region melt.
    • The molten iron and nickel move around the solid inner core, creating the Earth's magnetism.

    The Inner Core

    • The inner core is solid iron and nickel.
    • Extreme pressure causes the molten iron and nickel to pressure freeze, resulting in a solid core.

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    Description

    Learn about the characteristics and differences between the continental and oceanic crust, including their thickness, age, and involvement in tectonic activity.

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