Sea Floor Spreading Flashcard

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor 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 is the youngest seafloor located in the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

Towards the middle of the ocean.

Front

What causes sea floor spreading?

Back

Molten material beneath Earth's crust rises to the surface.

Front

What are Mid-Ocean Ridges?

Back

A chain of underwater mountains formed by plate tectonics.

Front

What technology did scientists use in the mid-1900s to map the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

Sonar.

Front

How does the age of rocks on the ocean floor change with distance from the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

It increases as you move away from the ridge.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in sea floor spreading?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart at mid-ocean ridges, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the significance of the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The mid-ocean ridge is the longest mountain range in the world and is a key site for sea floor spreading.

Front

What is the relationship between earthquakes and sea floor spreading?

Back

Earthquakes often occur along tectonic plate boundaries where sea floor spreading takes place.