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The crustal thickness in the Great Basin is __________ than mid-continental North American crust.

A) Thicker
B) Thinner
C) Similar
D) Variable

User Majico
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Final answer:

The crustal thickness in the Great Basin is thinner than the mid-continental North American crust due to variations in geological structures and compositions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The crustal thickness of the Great Basin differs from the mid-continental North American crust. While continental crust is generally composed of a variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks with an average composition resembling granite, the crustal thickness can vary in different regions. Due to its relatively low density, the continental crust is buoyant and elevates higher on the mantle compared to the denser mafic rocks of the oceanic crust, which form the deep oceanic basins when they subside into the mantle. Considering the variations in geological features across different regions, the crustal thickness in the Great Basin is typically B) Thinner compared to the generally thicker crust found in the mid-continent of North America.

User Xantix
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