Which crust forms the continents?

Which crust forms the continents?

• A. Ocean
• B. Mantle
• C. Core
• D. Continental

Answer: (D)

Continental crust is the part of Earth’s outer shell that forms the landmasses we call continents. It is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, made mainly of granitic rocks. Because of this lower density, continental crust floats higher on the mantle and remains above sea level, creating the continents. Oceanic crust, by contrast, is thinner and more dense basaltic rock, which forms the ocean floors and is recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones. The key idea is that a crust’s density and composition determine where it ends up: less dense, thicker crust builds continents, while denser, thinner crust forms the oceans.

Continental crust is the part of Earth’s outer shell that forms the landmasses we call continents. It is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, made mainly of granitic rocks. Because of this lower density, continental crust floats higher on the mantle and remains above sea level, creating the continents. Oceanic crust, by contrast, is thinner and more dense basaltic rock, which forms the ocean floors and is recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones. The key idea is that a crust’s density and composition determine where it ends up: less dense, thicker crust builds continents, while denser, thinner crust forms the oceans.