The reference book im reading is not the same as what my teacher says and im confused now
2007-10-15 16:23:22 · 3 answers · asked by Dabidu 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
It subducts/sinks under continental crust BECAUSE it is denser. Oceanic crust is denser than continental.
There are cases where oceanic crust does get emplaced on top of continental crust (ophiolites) but I doubt you need to worry about this. Most of the time, oceanic rust goes under continental.
Your reference book is right. Your teacher is perhaps wrong.
2007-10-15 16:49:09 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oceanic crust is DENSER than continental crust and as a result, it is the one which most usually sinks/subducts beneath the continental crust.
Remember, denser objects tend to go down more easily than less denser ones.
2007-10-16 01:37:10 · answer #2 · answered by bnj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it is denser (heavier).
2007-10-17 04:43:53 · answer #3 · answered by Wayner 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋