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Seafloor spreading happens when two tectonic plates move apart. Magma rises up from the mantle through the gap, creating new oceanic crust. As the plates continue to move apart, the new crust pushes the older crust away, causing the seafloor to spread.

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Where does seafloor spreading take place?

Mid-Ocean ridges.


What is the seafloor spreading apart at?

The rate at which the seafloor is spreading apart can vary, but typically it ranges from a few centimeters to a few tens of centimeters per year. This spreading occurs along mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates are moving away from each other, creating new oceanic crust.


What type of landform occurs in seafloor spreading?

Mid-ocean ridges are the primary landform that occurs in seafloor spreading. These are underwater mountain ranges where tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing magma to rise up and form new oceanic crust.


What is the name of the continuous mountain range formed from seafloor spreading?

The mid-ocean ridge is the continuous mountain range formed from seafloor spreading. It is located underwater and stretches across the Earth's oceans, where tectonic plates are moving apart and magma rises to create new oceanic crust.


How seismic studies support seafloor spreading?

Seismic studies show evidence of mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is forming, supporting the theory of seafloor spreading. By analyzing seismic waves, scientists can map the structure of the ocean floor and identify areas of tectonic activity where plates are moving apart. Additionally, seismic data reveals the presence of magnetic striping on the seafloor, further supporting the idea of seafloor spreading.


Where are the youngest seafloor rocks found?

The youngest seafloor rocks are typically found along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates are moving apart and new crust is continually forming. This process, known as seafloor spreading, leads to the creation of young rocks that are progressively older as you move away from the ridge axis on either side.


Why was the theory of seafloor spreading rejected?

The theory of seafloor spreading was not rejected; in fact, it is widely accepted in the field of geology. Proposed by Harry Hess in the early 1960s, seafloor spreading explains how new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and then moves away as tectonic plates drift apart. This concept revolutionized our understanding of plate tectonics and the Earth's geology.


How does the age of rocks in the seafloor provide evidence of seafloor spreading?

The age of rocks gets progressively younger as you move away from the mid-ocean ridges, where seafloor spreading occurs. This supports the theory of seafloor spreading, as new crust is being formed at the ridges and then moves away from them over time. This process leaves a record of older rocks further from the ridges and younger rocks closer to them.


Which two tectonic plates are separated by a mid-ocean ridge?

The two tectonic plates that are separated by a mid-ocean ridge are moving away from each other, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading, and it plays a crucial role in plate tectonics and the Earth's geology.


What are the similarities between seafloor spreading and continental drift?

Seafloor spreading and continental drift are both processes associated with plate tectonics. They both involve the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. Seafloor spreading is the process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, while continental drift is the theory that continents have moved and are still moving over Earth's surface.


What are the spreading centers?

Spreading centers are geological formations where tectonic plates are moving away from each other, resulting in the upwelling of magma from the mantle and the formation of new oceanic crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and occurs mainly along mid-ocean ridges, creating new oceanic crust and contributing to the Earth's tectonic activity.


Tectonic plates move apart in opposite directions at a?

divergent boundary, where new crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap created by the moving plates. This process is known as seafloor spreading and can result in the formation of mid-ocean ridges.