Final answer:
Oceanic crust is enriched in iron and magnesium compared to continental crust because it consists mostly of mafic rocks like basalt and gabbro. The oceanic crust is denser and lies predominantly underwater, forming the ocean basins, whereas the continental crust is thicker, less dense, and composed of granite.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding the characteristics of oceanic crust that reads "Oceanic crust is enriched in iron and magnesium compared to continental crust" is correct. Oceanic crust is comprised of denser, mafic rocks such as basalt and gabbro, which contain higher concentrations of iron and magnesium. These mafic rocks are produced by the cooling of volcanic lava. In contrast to oceanic crust, the continental crust is more granitic in composition, contains less iron and magnesium, and is predominantly made from a different volcanic class of silicates.
Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust, which allows it to rise higher on the mantle, forming the land masses we live on. The oceanic crust is generally about 6 kilometers thick and covers the majority of Earth's surface, lying mostly submerged under the oceans. It forms basins which, when filled with water, become the planet's oceans.
Therefore, the option that Oceanic crust is enriched in iron and magnesium compared to continental crust (Option A) is the accurate description of the difference between oceanic and continental crust.