Continental crust is typically 35 kilometers thick but may be up to ________ thick under mountain ranges.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continental crust can be thicker under mountain ranges due to the process of mountain building, called orogeny. The Himalayas, for example, have a crustal thickness of up to 70 kilometers. However, a thickness of 400 kilometers would be more typical of the entire crust, including the oceanic crust. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Continental Crust Is Typically 35 Kilometers Thick but May Be