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.