Continental crust

The continental crust is the thick, solid outer layer of Earth's landmasses, forming continents and large islands. Composed mainly of lighter, silica-rich rocks like granite, it averages about 35-70 kilometers thick and is less dense than the oceanic crust. The continental crust contains most of the Earth's land surface and supports diverse ecosystems. It has a complex history of formation through volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, and geological processes over billions of years. Unlike oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser, the continental crust is relatively stable but still experiences movement and deformation due to plate tectonics.