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question 4 (1 point)
why does continental crust sit higher than oceanic crust?
continental crust sits higher because it has more material beneath it.
the continental crust is made out of granite and is less dense than the oceanic crust made out of basalt, so it floats higher on the mantle.
the granite - type rock that makes up much of the continental crust forms mountains.
continental crust is less massive and higher because it is hotter than oceanic crust.
oceanic crust has to cover 70% of the earths surface, so it is spread out and therefore is thinner.
The continental crust is composed of granite which is less dense than the basalt - composed oceanic crust. According to the principle of isostasy, less - dense materials float higher on the denser mantle.
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The continental crust is made out of granite and is less dense than the oceanic crust made out of basalt, so it floats higher on the mantle.