Seafloor Spreading Review

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor 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 does seafloor spreading occur?

Back

Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are undersea mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma from the mantle, creating new oceanic crust.

Front

How does the age of rocks at mid-ocean ridges compare to continental rocks?

Back

Rocks at mid-ocean ridges are younger than rocks on the continents.

Front

What happens to older oceanic crust as new crust forms?

Back

Older oceanic crust is pushed away from the mid-ocean ridges.

Front

True or False: Seafloor spreading is a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges.

Back

True.

Front

What is the relationship between seafloor spreading and plate tectonics?

Back

Seafloor spreading is a key process in plate tectonics, as it explains how tectonic plates move apart and create new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the significance of the age of oceanic crust?

Back

The age of oceanic crust helps scientists understand the history of Earth's geological activity and the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What geological feature is formed by the process of seafloor spreading?

Back

Undersea mountain ranges known as mid-ocean ridges are formed by seafloor spreading.

Front

What is the role of magma in seafloor spreading?

Back

Magma rises from the mantle at mid-ocean ridges, cools, and solidifies to form new oceanic crust.