Sea-Floor Spreading

Front

What are Mid-Ocean Ridges?

Back

Mid-Ocean Ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where tectonic plates are moving apart and magma rises to create new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the process of Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

Sea-Floor Spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart, causing the sea floor to expand.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

Continental Drift is the hypothesis that continents were once part of a single landmass that broke apart and drifted to their current locations.

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact at their boundaries, causing sea-floor spreading at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the significance of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor?

Back

Magnetic stripes on the ocean floor provide evidence of sea-floor spreading, showing patterns of magnetic reversals that occur as new crust forms.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

Evidence includes the age of ocean floor rocks, magnetic stripes, and the distribution of fossils and geological features.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core, where convection currents drive plate tectonics.

Front

How does magma contribute to Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

Magma rises through cracks at mid-ocean ridges, solidifying to form new oceanic crust as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is the relationship between mid-ocean ridges and earthquakes?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are often sites of earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates and the release of stress along faults.