Continental Crust

The continental crust is the layer of the Earth's crust that forms the continents and continental shelves. It is primarily composed of less dense rocks such as granite, and has an average thickness of about 35 kilometers.

Composition of Continental Crust

The continental crust is composed mainly of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Granite is a common rock type found in the continental crust, and it is less dense than the basaltic rocks found in the oceanic crust.

Formation of Continental Crust

Continental crust is formed through various processes such as volcanic activity, mountain-building processes, and sedimentation. Over millions of years, these processes have led to the formation of the diverse geology and topography that we see on the Earth's continents today.

Key Points to Remember

• Composition: Mainly composed of less dense rocks like granite
• Thickness: Average thickness is about 35 kilometers
• Formation: Formed through volcanic activity, mountain-building processes, and sedimentation

Study Guide Questions

1. What are the main rock types found in the continental crust?
2. How does the thickness of the continental crust compare to the oceanic crust?
3. What processes are involved in the formation of continental crust?