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The Earth's magnetic reversals have been recorded in newly forming oceanic seafloor basalt by the orientation of magnetic minerals which become frozen in place as the magma hardens. When the next reversal occurs, it as well becomes part of the ocean floor magnetic record.

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How did new evidence support Hess's theory of seafloor spreading?

Umm Maybe by the way sea floor spreads apart along both sieds of a mid ocean ridge as new crust is added


How does seafoor age and magnetic clues support seafloor spreading?

Seafloor is youngest near the mid-ocean ridges and gets progressively older as you move away from the ridge. Magnetic stripes on the seafloor provide evidence of seafloor spreading, as they show alternating patterns of normal and reversed magnetic polarity that match the Earth's magnetic reversals over time. This supports the theory of seafloor spreading as new oceanic crust is created at the mid-ocean ridge and spreads outward.


What are underwater mountains found at divergent plate boundaries were the seafloor spreads apart?

a underwater mountain


Describe how seafloor spreading helps to explain the continental drift theory?

Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is created and spreads outward from the ridge. As the crust spreads, it forces older crust away from the ridge, creating a conveyor belt-like movement of the ocean floor. This process provides evidence for the movement of continents over time, supporting the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener.


How did the new evidence support Hess's theory of seafloor spreading?

The new evidence provided observations of magnetic anomalies on the seafloor that were consistent with the pattern predicted by Hess's theory of seafloor spreading. These anomalies demonstrated symmetrical stripes of magnetic polarity on either side of mid-ocean ridges, supporting the idea that new oceanic crust was forming at these ridges and moving away in opposite directions.


Does seafloor spreading hold the plates in place?

No, seafloor spreading does not hold the plates in place. Seafloor spreading is a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed and spreads apart. It is driven by the movement of tectonic plates, which are actually responsible for holding the seafloor in place.


How does seafloor spreading support continental drift?

Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed and spreads away from the ridge. This process provides evidence for continental drift as it shows that the oceanic crust is younger near the ridges and gets progressively older farther away. This supports the idea that continents were once connected and have since moved apart.


How do magnetic bands provide evidence that tectonic plates are moving apart at mid-oceanic ridges?

Through seafloor-spreading as iron rich minerals cool they become magnetized in the direction parallel to the existing magnetic field. As the magnetic fields change direction so will the magnetized minerals, allowing scientists to record each change in the seafloor as it spreads.


Explain how ocean-floor rocks and sediments are evidence of seafloor spreading?

Ocean-floor rocks and sediments show a pattern of symmetric age distribution, with younger rocks near mid-ocean ridges and older rocks farther away. This supports the theory of seafloor spreading, where new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges and spreads away from them. As the crust moves, it picks up and records the magnetic signature of Earth's magnetic field, creating alternating magnetic stripes that are evidence of seafloor spreading.


What causes paleomagnetic patterns on the seafloor?

Paleomagnetic patterns on the seafloor are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. As the seafloor spreads at mid-ocean ridges, molten rock solidifies to form new crust containing minerals aligned with the Earth's magnetic field. Over time, Earth's magnetic field reverses, leaving a record of these changes in the seafloor's magnetic stripes.


How does seafloor spreading help to explain continental drift?

Seafloor spreading provides evidence for the theory of continental drift by showing that new oceanic crust is continuously formed at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outward, pushing the continents away from each other. This process accounts for the movement of the continents over time and helps explain how separate landmasses once formed a single supercontinent called Pangaea.


When the seafloor spreads apart does hot saltwater move upward and flows from the cracks?

Yes, when the seafloor spreads apart, hot magma rises and creates new crust at mid-ocean ridges. This process can heat up seawater in the cracks, leading to hydrothermal vents where hot, mineral-rich water is ejected into the ocean.