what is the difference between a continental plate and an ocean plate?
http://quizlet.com/12312610/difference-between-oceanic-and-continental-plates-flash-cards/
thank you @ms.sue
The difference between a continental plate and an ocean plate lies primarily in their composition and location within the Earth's crust.
A continental plate, also known as a continental lithosphere or a continental crust, is a large, solid, and relatively thick tectonic plate that makes up the continents and the landmasses surrounding them. It is composed mainly of lighter, less dense rocks like granite and sedimentary rocks. Continental plates are typically about 30-50 kilometers thick and can extend for thousands of kilometers. These plates are characterized by having a varying topography, including mountains, plains, and plateaus.
On the other hand, an oceanic plate, also referred to as an oceanic lithosphere or an oceanic crust, is a thinner and denser tectonic plate that underlies the ocean basins. It is primarily composed of denser rocks like basalt and gabbro. Oceanic plates are generally around 5-10 kilometers thick and are relatively uniform in thickness. They are also thinner than continental plates because they are constantly being created and destroyed through the process of seafloor spreading and subduction. Oceanic plates tend to have a relatively smooth, featureless topography compared to continental plates.
The key distinction between these two types of plates is their location and composition. Continental plates primarily consist of lighter, less dense rocks and form the continents, while oceanic plates are composed of denser rocks and make up the ocean floor. Additionally, continental plates are thicker and have more diverse topography, whereas oceanic plates are thinner and have a smoother, more uniform surface.