Table lands

Question 1

Why does oceanic lithosphere subduct under continental?

Answer 1

Density
Composition
Plate Tectonics

Question 2

How does density affect it?

Answer 2

Oceanic lithosphere is much denser. This density difference is primarily due to the composition of the lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is composed of dense basaltic rocks, while continental lithosphere is primarily made of less dense granatic rocks. The denser oceanic sinks beneath the less dense continental lithosphere

Question 3

How does composition affect it?

Answer 3

Oceanic lithosphere contains a thinner layer of buoyant sediment compared to continental lithosphere. The presence of this sediment layer adds buoyancy to the continental lithosphere, making it less prone to subduction.

Question 4

What does this form?

Answer 4

It forms a subduction zone with the oceanic lithosphere subducting into the mantle under the continental lithosphere