Geology 2C: Sea Floor Spreading

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What is Sea Floor Spreading?

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A geological process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge.

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What is a Mid-Ocean Ridge?

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An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where sea floor spreading occurs.

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What is SONAR?

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A device that uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater.

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What is Magnetic Memory in geology?

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The alignment of iron bits in cooling rock that lock in the direction of Earth's magnetic poles.

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What is the significance of hydrothermal vents?

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They release heated water from the mantle into the ocean, supporting unique ecosystems.

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Who is Harry Hess?

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A famous American geologist known for his contributions to the theory of sea floor spreading.

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What is subduction?

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The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

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What is the role of convection currents in the mantle?

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They drive the movement of tectonic plates by transferring heat from the Earth's interior.

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What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

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Oceanic crust is thinner and denser, while continental crust is thicker and less dense.