Question

how is continental crust different from oceanic crust?
○ oceanic crust is thinner and more likely to sink.
○ continental crust is more dense and lighter.
○ oceanic crust is thicker and more dense.
○ continental crust is thicker and more likely to sink.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Oceanic crust is thinner (typically 5 - 10 km) than continental crust (20 - 70 km) and is more dense, so it's more likely to sink (subduct) at convergent boundaries. This matches geological facts.
• Option 2: Continental crust is less dense (not more dense) and is relatively lighter, so this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Oceanic crust is thinner (not thicker) than continental crust, so this is wrong.
• Option 4: Continental crust is thicker but less dense, so it's less likely to sink (oceanic is more likely to sink), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Oceanic crust is thinner and more likely to sink.