DOL: 12/10/24 Divergent Boundaries and Seafloor Spreading

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is a boundary between two tectonic plates that are moving apart from each other.

Front

What is one piece of evidence of seafloor spreading?

Back

The age of the rocks; younger rocks are found at the mid-ocean ridges, while older rocks are found further away.

Front

What feature forms near divergent boundaries between two pieces of continental crust?

Back

A continental rift valley.

Front

What feature forms near divergent boundaries between two pieces of oceanic crust?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is the role of sonar in studying seafloor spreading?

Back

Sonar is used to map the ocean floor and identify features like mid-ocean ridges and the age of the seafloor.

Front

What happens to the age of rocks as you move away from a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The age of the rocks increases as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

How do divergent boundaries affect oceanic crust?

Back

Divergent boundaries cause the oceanic crust to be pulled apart, leading to the formation of new crust at mid-ocean ridges.