Sima (geology)

In geology, sima (/ˈsaɪmə/) is an antiquated blended term for the lower layer of Earth's crust. This layer is made of rocks rich in magnesium silicate minerals. Typically, when the sima comes to the surface, it is basalt, so sometimes this layer is called the 'ocean layer' of the crust. The sima layer is also called the 'basal crust' or 'basal layer' because it is the lowest layer of the crust. Because the ocean floors are mainly sima, it is also sometimes called the 'oceanic crust'.

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Sima often takes the form of basalt when on the surface

The name 'sima' was taken from the first two letters of silica and of magnesia. Comparable is the name 'sial', which is the name for the upper layer of Earth's crust (continental crust).

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