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  • Continental vs. Oceanic Crust: Key Differences Explained
    Here are two key differences between continental and oceanic crust:

    1. Composition:

    * Continental crust is primarily made up of granite, which is rich in silica, aluminum, potassium, and sodium. It's generally lighter and thicker than oceanic crust.

    * Oceanic crust is mainly composed of basalt, a denser rock with more iron, magnesium, and calcium. It's thinner than continental crust.

    2. Age:

    * Oceanic crust is constantly being formed at mid-ocean ridges and subducted back into the mantle. This means it's younger than continental crust, with most being less than 200 million years old.

    * Continental crust is much older, with some parts dating back billions of years. This is because it's less likely to be recycled back into the mantle.

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