Question Details

What is the estimated mean depth of the Earth's crustal layer?

Options

A

100km

B

5km

C

200km

D

30km

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option D

30km

Solution :

The correct answer is 30km.

Explanation:

The Earth's crust is the outermost solid layer of our planet. It is broadly divided into two main components based on structure, density, and geography:

1. Oceanic Crust: Positioned beneath the ocean basins, this layer is relatively thin and dense, with an average thickness ranging from 5 km to 10 km.
2. Continental Crust: Forms the Earth's landmasses and is much thicker, averaging about 35 km to 40 km in depth, and reaching up to 70 km or more beneath major mountain ranges.

Combining both oceanic and continental regions to find a global average, geologists estimate the overall mean depth of the Earth's crustal layer to be approximately 30km.

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