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  • Understanding Earth's Crust: Composition, Types & Formation
    The Earth's crust is made up of various types of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

    Here's a breakdown:

    Igneous Rocks:

    * Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma (molten rock) or lava.

    * Examples: Granite, basalt, gabbro

    Sedimentary Rocks:

    * Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments like sand, mud, or organic matter.

    * Examples: Sandstone, limestone, shale

    Metamorphic Rocks:

    * Formed when existing rocks are transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

    * Examples: Marble, slate, gneiss

    The composition of the crust varies depending on whether it's continental crust or oceanic crust:

    Continental Crust:

    * Thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.

    * Primarily composed of granite and other felsic rocks rich in silica, aluminum, sodium, and potassium.

    Oceanic Crust:

    * Thinner and denser than continental crust.

    * Mostly made of basalt and gabbro, which are mafic rocks rich in magnesium and iron.

    In addition to the major rock types, the crust also contains a small percentage of other materials, including:

    * Minerals: Quartz, feldspar, mica, etc.

    * Water: Found in various forms, including groundwater and ice.

    * Organic matter: Decaying plant and animal material.

    It's important to note that the Earth's crust is constantly changing as a result of plate tectonics, erosion, and other geological processes.

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