Sea Floor Spreading

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge, causing the ocean floor to expand.

Front

Where is the youngest seafloor located in the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

Towards the middle of the ocean.

Front

What causes sea floor spreading?

Back

Molten material beneath Earth's crust rises to the surface, creating new oceanic crust.

Front

Which ocean is currently expanding due to a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

Atlantic Ocean.

Front

What technology was used during WWII to map the seafloor?

Back

Sonar.

Front

Where does sea floor spreading begin?

Back

At the mid-ocean ridge.

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.

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in sea floor spreading?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart at mid-ocean ridges, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the significance of the asthenosphere in sea floor spreading?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

How does sea floor spreading relate to continental drift?

Back

Sea floor spreading provides a mechanism for continental drift, as new crust pushes continents apart.