1. Composition:
* Continental Crust: Primarily composed of granitic rocks (rich in silica and aluminum), which are lighter and less dense than oceanic crust.
* Oceanic Crust: Composed mainly of basalt and gabbro (rich in magnesium and iron), making it denser and darker than continental crust.
2. Thickness:
* Continental Crust: Generally much thicker, ranging from 25-70 kilometers (15-45 miles).
* Oceanic Crust: Significantly thinner, typically only 5-10 kilometers (3-6 miles) thick.
Let me know if you would like to learn more about these differences!