Seafloor Spreading Models and Analysis

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 as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a Trench in oceanography?

Back

A Trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, often formed at subduction zones where one tectonic plate is being forced under another.

Front

Where is the oldest ocean crust typically found?

Back

The oldest ocean crust is typically found at Trenches at Subduction Zones, far from Mid Ocean Ridges.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, leading to recycling of oceanic crust.

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 Rift Valley?

Back

A Rift Valley is a lowland region that forms where tectonic plates move apart, leading to the creation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is an Abyssal Plain?

Back

An Abyssal Plain is a flat or gently sloping area of the deep ocean floor, typically found at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

Front

What is a Sea Mount?

Back

A Sea Mount is an underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface of the water.

Front

How does the age of oceanic crust change with distance from a Mid Ocean Ridge?

Back

The age of oceanic crust increases with distance from a Mid Ocean Ridge; the crust is youngest at the ridge and oldest at the trenches.

Front

What is the relationship between tectonic plate movement and earthquakes?

Back

Tectonic plate movement can cause earthquakes, especially at plate boundaries where stress builds up and is released.