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How can plates moves apart at the mid-ocean ridges and not leave a deep gap in the lithosphere?
AH! good question. To understand what is happening you need to change how you are thinking about this. The Earth's mantle is convecting, bringing up hot rock form the core rather like a pan of boiling soup. the mid ocean ridges are a point where the "bubbles" are rising and the subduction zones are where the soup is going down against the sides of the pan (to be heated up again at the pan's base). At the mid oceanic ridges hot molten lava flows out and solidifies to make new oceanic crust so in effect eh "gap" is filled. The mid oceanic ridges are a chain of active volcanoes, the biggest chain of volcanoes on Earth. Thus the ocean floor is being FORCED apart (by the intrusion of new oceanic crust) rather than being PULLED apart (to leave a gap).
What else can I help you with?
Plates move apart because of?
plate tectonics, which is the movement of the Earth's lithosphere. This movement occurs due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle, causing plates to gradually shift and separate from each other. The process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges is a common example of plates moving apart.
At What location is most lithosphere created?
Most lithosphere is created along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates pull apart and magma rises to the surface, solidifying and forming new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the creation of new oceanic lithosphere.
Mid ocean ridges are actually underwater mountain ranges?
Yes, mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges that form where tectonic plates are spreading apart. Magma rises up to fill the gap between the plates, creating new oceanic crust. This process contributes to the overall process of seafloor spreading.
What is the process by which new oceanic lithosphere is created as older materials are pulled away?
This process is called seafloor spreading. It occurs at mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle and solidify as new oceanic lithosphere. As the plates continue to separate, the new lithosphere gets pushed away from the ridge, creating a continuous cycle of formation and movement.
Two tectonic plates under water move apart and magma fills the space between them This is an example of?
This is an example of seafloor spreading, a process where tectonic plates diverge and new oceanic crust forms as magma rises and solidifies at mid-ocean ridges. As the plates move apart, they create new oceanic lithosphere and contribute to the Earth's tectonic activity.
Where do midocean ridges intersect the landmasses?
Midocean ridges are areas where continents broke apart. Midocean ridges are closest to the landmasses in younger oceans. One example where a midocean ridge intersected a landmass is the Arabian sea, which was formed by the pulling apart of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.
What are the differences between ocean ridge and seamount?
The midocean ridges are the spreading centers where the plates are moving apart. The seamounts are extinct volcanos produced as the plate passed over a mantle hotspot.
Mid ocean ridges form where tectonic plates do what?
Mid-ocean ridges form where tectonic plates diverge, or move apart. This process allows magma from the mantle to rise to the surface, creating new oceanic crust as it cools and solidifies. The continuous movement of the plates at these ridges contributes to seafloor spreading and the dynamic nature of the Earth's lithosphere.
Plates move apart because of?
plate tectonics, which is the movement of the Earth's lithosphere. This movement occurs due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle, causing plates to gradually shift and separate from each other. The process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges is a common example of plates moving apart.
Is new oceanic lithosphere is unable to form at mid-ocean ridges?
New oceanic lithosphere is able to form at mid-ocean ridges through the process of seafloor spreading. As tectonic plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle and solidifies to create new oceanic crust. This process contributes to the growth of the ocean basins and renewal of the Earth's lithosphere.
At What location is most lithosphere created?
Most lithosphere is created along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates pull apart and magma rises to the surface, solidifying and forming new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the creation of new oceanic lithosphere.
Mid ocean ridges are actually underwater mountain ranges?
Yes, mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges that form where tectonic plates are spreading apart. Magma rises up to fill the gap between the plates, creating new oceanic crust. This process contributes to the overall process of seafloor spreading.
When the sea floor spreads apart volcanoes and ridges are formed because?
"as the plates pull apart, magma moves to the surface, building ridges"
How do lithosphere plates move where convection currents rise?
They move apart.
Where are earthquakes and volcanoes typically found?
Earthquakes and volcanoes are typically found along tectonic plate boundaries where the Earth's lithosphere is in motion. This includes areas like the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate collides with other plates, and along mid-ocean ridges where plates are spreading apart.
What is located in midocean ridges?
At mid-ocean ridges, tectonic plates are moving apart, creating new oceanic crust through volcanic activity. This results in the formation of underwater mountain chains and hydrothermal vents, which support unique ecosystems due to the high temperatures and mineral-rich waters.
Why do plates move away from the mid ocean ridges?
Plates move away from mid-ocean ridges due to the process of seafloor spreading, which occurs as magma rises from the mantle at the ridge, creating new oceanic crust. As this new crust forms, it pushes the older crust away from the ridge, causing tectonic plates to diverge. This movement is driven by convection currents in the mantle, which create forces that pull the plates apart. Additionally, the cooling and sinking of the oceanic lithosphere further contribute to the movement of plates away from the ridges.
