Question:easy

The thickness of the continental crust in the Himalayan region is

Show Hint

The Earth's crust varies in thickness. Oceanic crust is thin (about 5 to 10 km), while continental crust is much thicker, and it becomes thickest beneath high mountain ranges.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 5 km
  • 15 km
  • 30 km
  • 70 km
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Compare crust types.
Oceanic crust is thin, about 5 to 10 km, while continental crust is much thicker.

Step 2: Add the mountain effect.
Under tall mountains the crust grows a deep root downward to support the great height above.

Step 3: Apply to the Himalayas.
The Himalaya is the tallest range on land, so its crust must be the thickest.

Step 4: Use the known value.
Beneath the Himalayan region the continental crust reaches about 70 km in thickness.

Step 5: Check the options.
Values like 5, 15 and 30 km are far too small for such a high range, leaving 70 km.

Step 6: Conclude.
The continental crust under the Himalaya is about 70 km thick.
\[ \boxed{70\ \text{km}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0