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question 8 (1 point)
why does oceanic crust subduct beneath continental crust at a convergent boundary?
a
oceanic crust contains more iron and magnesium, making it denser than continental crust, so it sinks beneath it
b
continental crust is heavier and thicker, forcing the oceanic crust below it
c
oceanic crust is thinner and lighter than continental crust, allowing it to slide under with ease
d
continental crust moves faster than oceanic crust, pushing the oceanic crust downward
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it contains more iron and magnesium. Density plays a crucial role in subduction. Denser materials tend to sink beneath less - dense ones. At a convergent boundary, when oceanic and continental crust meet, the denser oceanic crust subducts (sinks) beneath the continental crust.
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a. Oceanic crust contains more iron and magnesium, making it denser than continental crust, so it sinks beneath it