Earth's crust is divided into two main types: oceanic crust and continental crust.
The Main Divisions
According to the reference provided, the Earth's crust is categorized into two primary types:
- Oceanic Crust: This type of crust is typically found beneath the oceans.
- Continental Crust: This type of crust forms the continents and continental shelves.
Key Characteristics
While distinct in their location and some properties (not detailed in the provided reference), both types of crust share a commonality in their fundamental composition.
- Composition: Silicates, which are mostly compounds made of silicon and oxygen, are the most abundant rocks and minerals found in both oceanic and continental crust.
The Transition Zone
The area where the oceanic crust meets the continental crust is a transition zone.
- Conrad Discontinuity: The transition zone between these two types of crust is sometimes referred to as the Conrad discontinuity.
These two types of crust, varying in thickness and composition (though both rich in silicates), form the outermost solid shell of our planet.
