Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyInternal and External Structure of the Earth

The Earth's upper continental crust is predominantly composed of rocks rich in silica and aluminium. Which structural layer of the Earth does this describe?

  1. SIALAnswer
  2. B
    SIMA
  3. C
    Metamorphic basement
  4. D
    Weathered regolith

Answer

SIAL
The continental crust is composed largely of light granitic rocks whose dominant chemical elements are silica and aluminium, abbreviated as SIAL.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the chemical constituents mentioned in the prompt
Silica (Si) and Aluminium (Al)
The prompt specifies the major minerals forming the continental crust.
2
Match the chemical composition to Earth's structural crustal layers
Si + Al = SIAL
The continental crust is rich in granite-type rocks dominated by silica and aluminium, forming SIAL.

Key Concept

Chemical Composition of Crustal Layers (SIAL and SIMA)
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Internal and External Structure of the Earth

More questions from this topic