continental plate
Quick Summary
Continental plates are the outermost layer of Earth's lithosphere that form the planet's continents and continental shelves. These plates are primarily granitic in composition and are less dense than oceanic crust, causing them to "float" higher on the mantle.1
The theory of plate tectonics explains that Earth's rigid outer layer, the lithosphere, is divided into large and small plates that move over a weaker, partially molten layer called the asthenosphere. These plates interact at their boundaries, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanism, and mountain formation. Continental crust is typically about 40 km (25 miles) thick, significantly thicker than oceanic crust. Continents grow through processes like subduction, where oceanic plates are pulled beneath continental plates, adding material to the continental margins.2314
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datingThe global tectonic rock cycleWhen continental plates collide, the edge of one plate is thrust onto that of the other. The rocks in the lower slab undergo changes in their mineral content in response to heat and pressure and will probably become exposed at the surface again some time later.…
Read MoreWhen continental plates collide, the edge of one plate is thrust onto that of the other. The rocks in the lower slab undergo changes in their mineral content in response to heat and pressure and will probably become exposed at the surface again some time later.…
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EarthThe outer shellA continental plate is exemplified by the North American Plate, which includes North America as well as the oceanic crust between it and a portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The latter is an enormous submarine mountain chain that extends down the axis of the Atlantic basin,…
Read MoreA continental plate is exemplified by the North American Plate, which includes North America as well as the oceanic crust between it and a portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The latter is an enormous submarine mountain chain that extends down the axis of the Atlantic basin,…
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marine ecosystemGeography, oceanography, and topography…two types of plates—oceanic and continental—which float on the surface of the Earth’s mantle, diverging, converging, or sliding against one another. When two plates diverge, magma from the mantle wells up and cools, forming new crust; when convergence occurs, one plate descends—i.e., is subducted—below the other and crust is resorbed…
Read More…two types of plates—oceanic and continental—which float on the surface of the Earth’s mantle, diverging, converging, or sliding against one another. When two plates diverge, magma from the mantle wells up and cools, forming new crust; when convergence occurs, one plate descends—i.e., is subducted—below the other and crust is resorbed…
Read More