Describe the differences between the oceanic and continental crust.

The oceanic crust is generally younger than the continental crust as it is less than 200 million years old and can also be renewed or destroyed at plate boundaries. For example, the oceanic crust which forms Iceland is only 1 million years old. The oceanic crust is also denser, being made out of basalt, compared to the continental crust which is made of granite. As a result, the oceanic crust can sink beneath the continental crust at constructive plate margins and also be destroyed at subduction plate margins.

EP
Answered by Emma P. Geography tutor

9719 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How would I go about answering a nine mark question like the one below? Name an earth hazard event in an MEDC. Describe the methods used to reduce the impact of the earth hazard and assess how successful these methods were.


Describe transport of materials by a river system


Describe the issues commonly found in shanty towns in rapidly developing urban areas.


What triggers an earthquake at a tectonic plate margin?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning