How thick is the oceanic crust on average?

The oceanic crust, which forms the ocean floors and is composed primarily of basalt and gabbro, has an average thickness that typically ranges from 3 to 10 kilometers. This relatively thin layer contrasts with the continental crust, which is significantly thicker, averaging around 30 to 50 kilometers. The thinner nature of the oceanic crust can be attributed to the processes of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is formed from the upwelling of magma, as well as to its composition and formation process being different from those of continental crust. Understanding this helps demonstrate key geological concepts, including plate tectonics and the relationship between oceanic and continental crust characteristics.