Sea Floor Spreading

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.

Front

What type of boundary is associated with sea floor spreading?

Back

Divergent boundary.

Front

Where does sea floor spreading primarily occur?

Back

At mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological feature is formed by sea floor spreading?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges, which are undersea mountain chains.

Front

What causes sea floor spreading?

Back

Magma below the Earth's crust is forced up toward the surface as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

Back

They are the sites of sea floor spreading and the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

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

Back

The rocks become older as you move away from the ridge.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A lowland region that forms where tectonic plates move apart, often found at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.