Seafloor Spreading Theory

Front

What is Seafloor Spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge, leading to the expansion of ocean basins.

Front

Where is the youngest seafloor located in the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

Towards the middle of the ocean.

Front

What is the age of the oldest ocean crust?

Back

180-200 million years old.

Front

What occurs at a divergent boundary?

Back

Plates pull apart.

Front

What happens when oceanic and continental plates collide?

Back

The oceanic plate sinks under the continental plate due to its higher density.

Front

Why is the Pacific Ocean shrinking?

Back

Ocean crust in the Pacific is getting recycled faster than it's being created.

Front

What is the average density of continental crust?

Back

2.8 g/cm³.

Front

What is the average density of oceanic crust?

Back

3.2 g/cm³.

Front

What geological feature is formed at mid-ocean ridges?

Back

New oceanic crust is formed.

Front

What is a rift zone?

Back

A rift zone is a region where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, often leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.