Continental Crust

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and is made up of two types: continental crust and oceanic crust. Continental crust is the layer of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks that forms the continents and the areas of shallow seabed close to their shores.

Composition and Characteristics

• Composition: Continental crust is primarily composed of granite, a light-colored, coarse-grained rock that is less dense than the rock that makes up the oceanic crust.
• Thickness: The thickness of continental crust varies, but it is generally thicker than oceanic crust, with an average thickness of about 35 kilometers.
• Age: Continental crust is significantly older than oceanic crust, with some areas dating back over 4 billion years.
• Features: It contains a variety of geological features such as mountain ranges, plains, and plateaus.

Formation

Continental crust is formed through a process called continental accretion, where smaller landmasses collide and merge to form larger continents. This process involves the accumulation of various types of rocks over millions of years.

Study Guide

1. What is the composition of continental crust?
2. How does the thickness of continental crust compare to oceanic crust?
3. What is the primary rock type that makes up continental crust?
4. What geological features are commonly found in continental crust?
5. Describe the process of continental accretion and its role in the formation of continental crust.

Understanding the composition, characteristics, and formation of continental crust is essential for comprehending the Earth's structure and the processes that have shaped its surface over millions of years.

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