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 is pushed away from the ridge.

Front

Where are the oldest rocks found in relation to mid-ocean ridges?

Back

The oldest rocks are found far from the mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological feature is created by seafloor spreading?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are created by seafloor spreading.

Front

Where is the youngest seafloor located in the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

The youngest seafloor is located towards the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Front

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

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are significant as they are the sites of new oceanic crust formation and are key to understanding plate tectonics.

Front

What type of rock is primarily formed at mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Basalt is the primary type of rock formed at mid-ocean ridges.

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 relationship between seafloor spreading and continental drift?

Back

Seafloor spreading provides a mechanism for continental drift, as the movement of oceanic plates can cause continents to move apart.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading?

Back

Evidence includes the age of rocks, magnetic striping on the ocean floor, and the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

What is magnetic striping and how does it relate to seafloor spreading?

Back

Magnetic striping refers to the pattern of magnetic minerals in oceanic crust that record reversals in Earth's magnetic field, providing evidence of seafloor spreading.