kuoristruktuuri

Kuoristruktuuri refers to the outermost layer of a terrestrial planet or moon. This layer, known as the crust, is relatively thin and brittle compared to the deeper layers. On Earth, the crust is divided into two main types: oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser, and continental crust, which is thicker and less dense. The composition of the crust varies significantly between these two types and also geographically.

The formation of planetary crusts is a complex process that begins early in a celestial body's history. It is thought to be a result of differentiation, where heavier elements sink towards the core and lighter elements rise to form the surface. Volcanic activity and plate tectonics play crucial roles in shaping and recycling the crust over geological timescales. Earth's plate tectonics, for instance, constantly creates new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges and recycles older crust at subduction zones.

The study of crustal structure, often through seismology, helps scientists understand a planet's internal composition and geological history. Variations in seismic wave speeds as they travel through the crust provide clues about its density, temperature, and composition. Understanding crustal structure is fundamental to comprehending planetary evolution, the distribution of resources, and the potential for geological hazards.