Seafloor Spreading

Front

What causes the crust to move?

Back

Convection - the movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

What is an undersea mountain range called?

Back

Mid-ocean ridge - a continuous mountain range that runs through the world's oceans.

Front

Which is NOT evidence of sea-floor spreading?

Back

Fossil evidence - while fossils can indicate past life, they do not directly support the theory of sea-floor spreading.

Front

Why were magnetic patterns found on the ocean floor puzzling?

Back

They showed alternating bands of normal and reversed polarity, indicating changes in Earth's magnetic field over time.

Front

What is the entire cycle of heating occurring in the mantle called?

Back

Convection currents - the process of heat transfer in fluids due to density differences.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Front

What role do convection currents play in plate tectonics?

Back

They drive the movement of tectonic plates by transferring heat from the Earth's interior to the surface.

Front

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

Back

They provide evidence for seafloor spreading and the history of Earth's magnetic field.

Front

What is a rift?

Back

A rift is a linear zone where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, often leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the difference between continental drift and seafloor spreading?

Back

Continental drift refers to the movement of continents over time, while seafloor spreading specifically describes the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.