Seafloor Spreading

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge.

Front

Where does seafloor spreading occur?

Back

Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the role of magma in seafloor spreading?

Back

Magma rises from the mantle to the surface at mid-ocean ridges, solidifying to form new oceanic crust.

Front

What happens to older oceanic crust as new crust forms?

Back

The older oceanic crust moves away from the mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological feature is formed by seafloor spreading?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are formed by seafloor spreading.

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges in plate tectonics?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the relationship between seafloor spreading and continental drift?

Back

Seafloor spreading provides a mechanism for continental drift, as new oceanic crust pushes continents apart.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading?

Back

Evidence includes the age of oceanic crust, magnetic striping on the seafloor, and the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

How does seafloor spreading affect ocean basin size?

Back

Seafloor spreading increases the size of ocean basins as new crust is added.

Front

What is the process of subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often occurring at oceanic-continental convergent boundaries.