Crust

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth. It is a thin, solid, and rocky shell that covers the entire surface of the Earth. The crust is made up of a variety of rocks, minerals, and elements, and it is divided into two main types: continental crust and oceanic crust.

Continental Crust

The continental crust is the thicker of the two types of crust and is primarily composed of less dense rocks such as granite and sedimentary rocks. It is mostly found beneath the continents and is less dense than the oceanic crust, which allows it to "float" on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle below it.

Oceanic Crust

The oceanic crust is thinner and denser than the continental crust and is primarily made up of basaltic rocks. It is found beneath the ocean basins and is constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones.

Study Guide

1. What is the Earth's crust?
2. What are the two main types of crust?
3. Describe the composition of the continental crust.
4. Explain the characteristics of the oceanic crust.
5. Where is the continental crust mostly found?
6. How is oceanic crust created and destroyed?

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