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Two separate oceanic lithospheric plates are moving away from each other. As they separate, buoyant mantle material from the asthenosphere rises to fill the void. This material, which is extremely hot, but solid, and is under tremendous pressure, is decompressed as it rises, causing it to melt. When it rises to a point at or near the surface, this melt solidifies into new oceanic crust. The buoyancy of this hot new crust, coupled with its thinness, causes it to be pushed up higher over the asthenosphere than the surrounding landscape, forming ridges along the length of the divergent plate boundary. The mid-ocean ridges are the longest continuous mountain range on the planet.

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How has knowledge of mid-ocean ridges changed as a result of evidence for sea-floor spreading?

Before the discovery of seafloor spreading, mid-ocean ridges were thought to be static features. However, with evidence for seafloor spreading, it was realized that new oceanic crust is forming at mid-ocean ridges, pushing older crust away and causing the seafloor to spread apart. This discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of plate tectonics and the geologic processes happening at mid-ocean ridges.


Why do oceanic rises and oceanic ridges exist?

Oceanic rises and ridges exist due to seafloor spreading, a process where magma rises up from the mantle to create new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. As the new crust forms, it pushes the existing crust aside, leading to the creation of oceanic rises and ridges. These features are important parts of plate tectonics and play a key role in the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.


Where does seafloor spreading take place?

Mid-Ocean ridges.


What does hot magma forced upward at mid-ocean ridges produce?

Hot magma forced upward at mid-ocean ridges produces new oceanic crust as it solidifies upon contact with seawater. This process is known as seafloor spreading and helps to create new oceanic crust, causing the plates to move apart and leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges.


True or False Mid-ocean ridges are actually underwater mountain ranges?

It is true that mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges. These ridges are long, seismically active submarine ridges associated with seafloor spreading.

Related Questions

Where is the place where seafloor spreading occur?

Mid-oceanic ridges


Where are the American continents being separated from the African and Eurasian continents?

oceanic spreading ridges


According To Plate-tectonic Theory Where Is New Oceanic Crust Being Formed?

Spreading ridges


How has knowledge of mid-ocean ridges changed as a result of evidence for sea-floor spreading?

Before the discovery of seafloor spreading, mid-ocean ridges were thought to be static features. However, with evidence for seafloor spreading, it was realized that new oceanic crust is forming at mid-ocean ridges, pushing older crust away and causing the seafloor to spread apart. This discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of plate tectonics and the geologic processes happening at mid-ocean ridges.


What causes oceanic ridges?

Oceanic ridges are caused by the divergent movement of tectonic plates. As the plates move apart, magma rises from the Earth's mantle to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading.


What is the process by which plate tectonics produces new oceanic lithosphere at ocean ridges called?

Seafloor Spreading.


A place where seafloor spreading occurs.?

2. Mid Ocean Ridges are the place where new crust is formed. 1. oceanic plates or oceanic crust


Why do oceanic rises and oceanic ridges exist?

Oceanic rises and ridges exist due to seafloor spreading, a process where magma rises up from the mantle to create new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. As the new crust forms, it pushes the existing crust aside, leading to the creation of oceanic rises and ridges. These features are important parts of plate tectonics and play a key role in the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.


What types of volcanoes are formed at spreading centers?

Volcanoes at spreading centers is referred to as spreading center volcanism. This usually takes place on mid-oceanic ridges where the plates diverge.


Is new oceanic crust formed at mid-ocean ridges?

Yes, the process that creates oceanic crust on a mid-ocean ridge is called "seafloor spreading". seafloor spreading creates a new oceanic crust that forms on the mid-ocean ridge.


What term describes the process that creates new oceanic crust at mid ocean ridges?

Sea Floor Spreading


Is Magma appears to be rising underneath the mid-oceanic ridges?

Yes, magma is constantly rising underneath mid-oceanic ridges due to the process of seafloor spreading. As tectonic plates diverge at these ridges, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, solidifies upon cooling, and creates new oceanic crust.