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 happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the significance of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor?

Back

Magnetic stripes on the ocean floor provide evidence for seafloor spreading, showing patterns of magnetic reversals over time.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where seafloor spreading occurs.

Front

What is a magnetic reversal?

Back

A magnetic reversal is a change in Earth's magnetic field, where the magnetic north and south poles switch places.

Front

How does seafloor spreading affect ocean size and shape?

Back

Seafloor spreading can change the size and shape of oceans by creating new oceanic crust and altering the boundaries of tectonic plates.

Front

What type of boundary is associated with seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent boundaries.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading?

Back

Evidence for seafloor spreading includes magnetic stripes, age of ocean floor rocks, and the distribution of fossils.

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in seafloor spreading?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of Earth's crust that move and interact, causing seafloor spreading at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is the relationship between earthquakes and seafloor spreading?

Back

Earthquakes can occur along tectonic plate boundaries, including those where seafloor spreading takes place.