Ocean floor subducts under continents because
A) the ocean floor has a lower density and therefore sinks more easily.
B) the ocean floor is made of felsic minerals and is heavier than continental material.
C) the ocean floor is made of mafic material and is therefore more dense than continental material.
D) the weight of the continents is so great that they push the ocean floor material downward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ocean floor is made of mafic material, which is more dense than continental material. Therefore, when a plate with oceanic crust collides with a plate with continental crust, the denser oceanic crust will subduct (sink) beneath the less dense continental crust.

Ocean Floor Subducts Under Continents Because