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 evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading?

Back

Evidence includes the age of rocks, magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, and fossil records.

Front

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

Back

Rocks are older the farther they are from the center of the ridge.

Front

What are magnetic stripes on the ocean floor?

Back

Magnetic stripes are patterns of magnetic orientation in rocks that provide evidence of seafloor spreading.

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 magnetic reversal?

Back

Magnetic reversal is when Earth's magnetic field changes direction, affecting the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks.

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 plate boundaries.

Front

What is the relationship between earthquakes and seafloor spreading?

Back

Earthquakes often occur along tectonic plate boundaries, including areas where seafloor spreading takes place.

Front

What is the significance of the youngest rocks being found at the center of mid-ocean ridges?

Back

It indicates that new crust is continuously being formed at the ridge as plates move apart.

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.