ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Oceanic crust

Have you ever seen the deep blue sea? Well, under that sea, there is a hard layer like a shell that covers the whole earth called the crust. The oceanic crust is the part of that hard layer that is found underneath the oceans.

It is made up of rocks like basalt and gabbro that are formed when hot magma, or molten rocks from deep inside the earth, pour out onto the ocean floor and cool down quickly. When the magma cools down, they form a hard rock-like substance that makes up the oceanic crust.

The oceanic crust is thinner than the continental crust, which is the hard layer under the land masses. It also has more iron and magnesium compared to other atoms found in the rocks, giving it a darker color.

The oceanic crust is constantly moving like a conveyor belt, slowly separating the land masses by a few inches every year. Sometimes, when two plates of crust meet, they can create earthquakes and form underwater volcanoes.

The oceanic crust is home to many different creatures like jellyfish, octopuses, crabs, and fish. It is also important for humans because we use it to explore the ocean floor and as a source of minerals like copper, zinc, and gold.

So, just remember that the oceanic crust is like a hard shell under the sea made up of rock that is constantly moving and changing, and it's important for both sea creatures and humans!