Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key

Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key: Unlocking the Secrets of Plate Tectonics

Are you struggling to decipher the results of your sea floor spreading lab? Feeling overwhelmed by the data and unsure how to interpret the evidence for plate tectonics? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation of sea floor spreading, offers insights into common lab activities, and helps you unlock the answers you need. We’ll go beyond simply providing a “key” and delve into the underlying scientific principles, ensuring you truly understand the process and can confidently answer any questions. This isn’t just about finding the right answers; it's about mastering the concepts.

Understanding Sea Floor Spreading: The Foundation of Plate Tectonics

Before we dive into specific lab answer keys, let’s establish a strong foundation. Sea floor spreading is a fundamental process in plate tectonics, the theory explaining the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. At mid-ocean ridges, molten rock (magma) rises from the Earth's mantle, creating new oceanic crust. This new crust pushes older crust outwards, causing the seafloor to spread. This process is driven by convection currents within the mantle, a slow but powerful force that shapes our planet's surface.

#### Key Evidence Supporting Sea Floor Spreading:

Magnetic Stripes: As magma cools, it records the Earth's magnetic field. These magnetic reversals are recorded in the seafloor rocks as symmetrical stripes on either side of the mid-ocean ridge.
Age of Seafloor Rocks: Rocks closer to the mid-ocean ridge are younger than rocks further away. This demonstrates the continuous creation of new crust and the movement of older crust.
Sediment Thickness: Sediment layers are generally thicker farther from the mid-ocean ridge, indicating the accumulation of sediment over time.

Common Sea Floor Spreading Lab Activities and Their Answers

Sea floor spreading labs often involve interpreting maps, analyzing data tables, and constructing models. The specific activities and the corresponding "answer key" will vary depending on the lab design. However, we can cover common scenarios and provide guidance on interpreting the results.

#### 1. Analyzing Magnetic Stripe Patterns:

This activity typically involves a map showing magnetic stripes. The “answer” isn't a single number but rather an interpretation. You'll be asked to identify the mid-ocean ridge, determine the direction of seafloor spreading, and explain the significance of symmetrical patterns. Look for the central ridge and observe the mirrored patterns of normal and reversed magnetic polarity on either side. The direction of spreading is indicated by the orientation of the stripes.

#### 2. Interpreting Age Data of Seafloor Rocks:

Labs might present data tables showing the age of seafloor rocks at different locations. The key here is to identify the pattern: age increases with distance from the mid-ocean ridge. You might be asked to plot this data on a graph, which will visually demonstrate seafloor spreading. The older rocks are found further away from the ridge; this directly supports the theory of sea floor spreading.


#### 3. Modeling Sea Floor Spreading:

Many labs involve creating a model of sea floor spreading using materials like clay, paper, or computer software. The "answer" lies in the accurate representation of the process. Your model should show the formation of new crust at the mid-ocean ridge, the movement of older crust away from the ridge, and the symmetrical patterns of magnetic reversals (if applicable). The success of the model is assessed based on its accuracy in depicting the key principles of sea-floor spreading.


#### 4. Analyzing Sediment Thickness:

Data tables might show the thickness of sediment layers at various distances from the mid-ocean ridge. The key observation here is that sediment thickness generally increases with distance from the ridge, indicating that older crust has had more time to accumulate sediment. This aligns with the continuous generation of new crust at the spreading center.

Beyond the "Answer Key": Developing a Deeper Understanding

While obtaining the correct answers is important, it's crucial to understand the underlying scientific principles. A simple "answer key" can't replace a genuine grasp of the concepts. Focus on understanding why certain patterns and data support the theory of sea floor spreading. This understanding will allow you to apply these principles to new scenarios and problems.

Conclusion

Successfully completing a sea floor spreading lab requires more than just finding the "answers." It demands a thorough understanding of the processes involved in plate tectonics. By understanding the evidence—magnetic stripes, age of rocks, sediment thickness—you build a strong foundation in geological science. This guide aims to provide clarity, not just solutions, encouraging a deeper understanding of this fundamental process shaping our Earth.

FAQs

1. What if my lab results don't perfectly match the expected pattern? Slight variations are possible due to the complexities of geological processes and data limitations. Focus on the overall trends and discuss any discrepancies in your analysis.

2. How can I improve my understanding of plate tectonics beyond this lab? Research articles, documentaries, and online resources offer deeper insights into plate tectonics and related concepts.

3. Are there different types of sea floor spreading? Yes, the rate of spreading varies across different mid-ocean ridges, influencing the features observed.

4. How does sea floor spreading relate to earthquakes and volcanoes? Sea floor spreading is directly related to the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes, especially along the mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones.

5. Can I use this information to prepare for a test? Absolutely! This information provides a strong foundation for understanding sea floor spreading and related concepts, making it valuable preparation for any test on this topic.


  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Hands-On General Science Activities With Real-Life Applications Pam Walker, Elaine Wood, 2008-04-21 In this second edition of Hands-On General Science Activities with Real Life Applications, Pam Walker and Elaine Wood have completely revised and updated their must-have resource for science teachers of grades 5–12. The book offers a dynamic collection of classroom-ready lessons, projects, and lab activities that encourage students to integrate basic science concepts and skills into everyday life.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Program Report , 1977 Each issue covers a different subject.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Earth Edmond A. Mathez, 2001 A collection of essays and articles provides a study of how the planet works, discussing Earth's structure, geographical features, geologic history, and evolution.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Hydrothermal Processes at Seafloor Spreading Centers Peter A. Rona, Kurt Boström, Lucien Laubier, Kenneth L. Smith, 2013-11-21 During the past ten years, evidence has developed to indicate that seawater convects through oceanic crust driven by heat derived from creation of lithosphere at the Earth-encircling oceanic ridge-rift system of seafloor spreading centers. This has stimulated multiple lines of research with profound implications for the earth and life sciences. The lines of research comprise the role of hydrothermal convection at seafloor spreading centers in the Earth's thermal regime by cooling of newly formed litho sphere (oceanic crust and upper mantle); in global geochemical cycles and mass balances of certain elements by chemical exchange between circulating seawater and basaltic rocks of oceanic crust; in the concentration of metallic mineral deposits by ore-forming processes; and in adaptation of biological communities based on a previously unrecognized form of chemosynthesis. The first work shop devoted to interdisciplinary consideration of this field was organized by a committee consisting of the co-editors of this volume under the auspices of a NATO Advanced Research Institute (ARI) held 5-8 April 1982 at the Department of Earth Sciences of Cambridge University in England. This volume is a product of that workshop. The papers were written by members of a pioneering research community of marine geologists, geophysicists, geochemists and biologists whose work is at the stage of initial description and interpretation of hydrothermal and associated phenomena at seafloor spreading centers.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program Ocean Drilling Program, 1992 Vol. 174AX bound with Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program. Scientific results Vol. 174A.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: The Merits and Potential of a Proposed Ocean Drilling Program for the 1980's National Science Foundation (U.S.). Committee on Post-IPOD Science, 1979
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports , 1988
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Annual Report Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1986
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Resources in Education , 1982
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Eng Geol Ancient Works V1 Paul G. Marinos, 1988
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Arctic Geology and Petroleum Potential T.O. Vorren, E. Bergsager, Ø.A. Dahl-Stamnes, E. Holter, B. Johansen, E. Lie, T.B. Lund, 2013-10-22 Since the search for hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic started in the 1930's the exploration activity has expanded into many of the Arctic regions, and several of the Arctic sedimentary basins have proven to be important sources of hydrocarbon. Nevertheless, the Arctic continental margins and adjacent onshore areas are still largely unexplored in the context of petroleum, and are therefore considered to be one of the few regions in the world where significant undiscovered sources of hydrocarbon may exist. The aim of the book is to give an updated overview of the geology of the Arctic sedimentary basins and their petroleum potential. Although the different basins vary significantly as regards sedimentary fill and tectonic evolution, many of the basins share some of the characteristics needed to become prolific oil and gas provinces. The book contains 45 extensively illustrated articles. It starts with papers on the Mesozoic source rocks, and oceanic natural gas clatrates in the Arctic, respectively. Then follow articles on the regional and petroleum geology of the main regions; Greenland, North American Arctic, Soviet Arctic and the Barents Sea. Particular emphasis is placed on the Barents Sea. The two last chapters comprise articles on salt dynamics and methods. The book closes with a paper on international law in the Arctic. This volume will be of interest to both students and professional earth scientists/petroleum explorationists working in the northern latitudes. It will allow the readers to stay abreast of the development in this climatic region of the world.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Activity report Brookhaven National Laboratory. National Synchrotron Light Source, 2005
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Major Impacts and Plate Tectonics Neville Price, 2000-11-09 Neville Price presents a major breakthrough in our understanding of the subject of plate tectonics in this new book. In this ambitious look at the importance of impacts of objects from space on the earth, he challenges the fundamentals of the theory on which geoscience has rested for the past 25 years. In the latter half of the 20th century
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the judiciary, and related agencies appropriations for fiscal year 1988 United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Appropriations. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies, 1987
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Earth Science in the Urban Ocean Homa J. Lee, William R. Normark, 2009 Section 1 deals with surficial seafloor mapping and characterization. Sections 2 and 3 deal with fundamental geologic and oceanographic processes that introduce, transport, and deposit sediment particles and contaminants in the Southern California Bight.T
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Report of Activities Geological Survey of Canada, 1975
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Algae from the Arid Southwestern United States William Hewitt Thomas, 1983 This report is a bibliography of papers pertaining to algae found in the arid southwestern United States. Also included are some related papers that pertain to the habitats where the algae occur. Following each reference is an annotation describing the contents of the paper. The annotation, in most cases, consists of the author's abstract. Sometimes we have written an abstract, particularly for long review papers and books. The report is organized by state (California, Nevada, Utah, etc.) and papers on algae are separated from related papers on their habitat. Keywords are included for each paper and the bibliography is set up on microcomputer disk for searching by these keywords.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Geothermal Energy Update , 1978
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Lithospheric Discontinuities Huaiyu Yuan, Barbara Romanowicz, 2018-10-29 A multidisciplinary update on continental plate tectonics and plate boundary discontinuities Understanding the origin and evolution of the continental crust continues to challenge Earth scientists. Lithospheric Discontinuities offers a multidisciplinary review of fine scale layering within the continental lithosphere to aid the interpretation of geologic layers. Once Earth scientists can accurately decipher the history, internal dynamics, and evolution of the continental lithosphere, we will have a clearer understanding of how the crust formed, how plate tectonics began, and how our continents became habitable. Volume highlights: Theories and observations of the current state of tectonic boundaries and discontinuities Contributions on field observations, laboratory experiments, and geodynamic predictions from leading experts in the field Mantle fabrics in response to various mantle deformation processes Insights on fluid distribution using geophysical observations, and thermal and viscosity constraints from dynamic modeling Discontinuities associated with lithosphere and lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary An integrated study of the evolving physical and chemical processes associated with lithosphere asthenosphere interaction Written for academic and researchgeoscientists, particularly in the field of tectonophysics, geophysicists, geodynamics, seismology, structural geology, environmental geology, and geoengineering, Lithospheric Discontinuities is a valuable resource that sheds light on the origin and evolution of plate interaction processes.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Technical Reports Awareness Circular : TRAC. , 1987
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Plate Tectonics Xavier Le Pichon, Jean Francheteau, Jean Bonnin, 2013-10-22 Developments in Geotectonics, 6: Plate Tectonics focuses on the exposition of the plate-tectonics hypothesis, as well as plate boundaries, stratification, and kinematics. The book first offers information on the rheological stratification of the mantle and kinematics of relative movements. Topics include lithosphere, asthenosphere, kinematics of finite motions, measurements of instantaneous movements, and worldwide kinematic pattern. The text then ponders on movements relative to a frame external to the plates and processes at accreting plate boundaries. Discussions focus on reference frames, paleomagnetic synthesis, creation of oceanic crust, and continental rifts. The publication elaborates on processes at consuming plate boundaries, including sinking plate model, structure of trenches and associated island arcs and cordilleras, and consumption of continent-bearing lithosphere. The text is a valuable source of data for readers interested in plate tectonics.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Focus on Earth Science , 2001
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Oceanography Defense Documentation Center (U.S.), 1969
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Program Report - National Science Foundation National Science Foundation (U.S.), 1977 Each issue covers a different subject.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: U.S. Government Research Reports , 1963
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Earth Science , 2001
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: U.S. Government Research & Development Reports , 1970
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Technical Abstract Bulletin , 1979
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Report of Activities Grønlands geologiske undersøgelse, 1995
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: AGI Report American Geological Institute, 1968
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Gorda Ridge Gregory R. McMurray, 2012-12-06 Gorda Ridge presents a primarily technical summary of recent advances in seafloor research related to mineral exploration of the only seafloor spreading center within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Spreading centers are known to be the locus of hydrothermal activity and to host mineral deposits of hydrothermal origin. The book includes sections on the results of mineral exploration on Gorda Ridge, the newest technologies for mineral exploration and sampling on the seafloor, and the evolving field of hydrothermal vent biology and ecology. What makes the book unique is that it is: 1) a site book, 2) a truly multidisciplinary summation of the state of the art in complementary areas of deep ocean geology and biology, and 3) a marker in the evolution of federal-state relations concerning ocean development.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Technical Report , 1991
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Energy Research Abstracts , 1993
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Annual Report for Fiscal Year ... National Science Foundation (U.S.), 1985
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Issues in Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application: 2011 Edition , 2012-01-09 Issues in Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application: 2011 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application. The editors have built Issues in Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application: 2011 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Issues in Biophysics and Geophysics Research and Application: 2011 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Government Reports Announcements , 1974
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Bibliography of Scientific and Industrial Reports , 1970
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Annual Report Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2007
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Annual Report of the Director Carnegie Institution of Washington. Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, 1968
  sea floor spreading lab answer key: Annual Report of the Director Carnegie Institution of Washington. Dept. of Terrestrial Magnetism, 1969
Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key (PDF)
comprehensive guide serves as a companion to your seafloor spreading lab, providing a detailed explanation of the theory, practical guidance on data analysis, and a comprehensive answer …

Microsoft Word - Sea Floor Spreading worksheet with KEY.doc
sea-floor spreading, continually adds new material to the ocean floor. Scientists have found strange rocks shaped like pillows in the central valley of mid-ocean ridges. Such rocks can …

ES 106 Laboratory # 4 - Resources
• Determine the rate of sea-floor spreading that occurs along a mid-ocean ridge by using paleomagnetic evidence and determine age of ocean basin

SEAFLOOR SPREADING READING QUESTIONS - Quia
ANSWER KEY. PER.: SEAFLOOR SPREADING READING QUESTIONS. 1. RIDGE-RIFT SYSTEMS. valley running through their centers. are systems of underwater mountains that …

Modeling Seafloor Spreading - baesi.org
Overview. Students create models which show the formation of new oceanic crust through seafloor spreading and its destruction in subduction zones. They incorporate the concept of …

Answer Key – Student Activity - NOAA
Note: The average spreading rate in the Atlantic is around 2 cm/yr. Student answers however may vary here somewhat depending on the sea floor strip they use. 10. Answers vary based on …

Seafloor Spreading Simulation
Seafloor Spreading Simulation. Part I: Answer the following questions based on your seafloor spreading model. 1) Let’s assume the oldest oceanic crust formed when Pangaea started to …

.A ^ | Seafloor Spreading Rates - nanelson.weebly.com


Sea Floor Spreading Worksheet - mrsfaiello.weebly.com


Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading Lab Questions


Dynamic Earth Sea-Floor Spreading Lab


Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading 1 - Welcome to Mrs. Rhoades' …


Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key Copy - netsec.csuci.edu
Sea floor spreading labs often involve interpreting maps, analyzing data tables, and constructing models. The specific activities and the corresponding "answer key" will vary depending on the …

Name Block Date - coventryschools.org
Seafloor spreading: The process by which molten rock rises, cools, solidifies, and is pulled apart by tectonic plates. Procedure: 1. Cut along the dotted lines of the seafloor-spreading model …

Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key (Download Only)
spreading leave you feeling lost at sea? Then prepare to be amazed! "Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key: A Journey to the Ocean's Deepest Mysteries" will unlock the secrets of our …

Sea Floor Spreading Answer Key - netsec.csuci.edu
This "sea floor spreading answer key" has provided a comprehensive overview of this crucial geological process. By understanding the fundamental principles and evidence, you can …

Name Date SEA FLOOR SPREADING (L 1, 2, 3) - Hofstra …
In this activity, you will observe the pattern and learn to calculate the rate of sea floor spreading. The diagram on the next page represents a section of the ocean floor in the North Atlantic. …

Modeling sea floor spreading - Ms. Randall's Science Scene


Modeling Seafloor Spreading - Earth Science
The process of seafloor spreading created the seafloor of the oceans. For example, in the Atlantic Ocean, North America and South America moved away from Europe and Africa and the …

Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading - 8th Grade Integrated Science …


Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key (PDF)
comprehensive guide serves as a companion to your seafloor spreading lab, providing a detailed explanation of the theory, practical guidance on data analysis, and a comprehensive answer key to common lab exercises.

Microsoft Word - Sea Floor Spreading worksheet with …
sea-floor spreading, continually adds new material to the ocean floor. Scientists have found strange rocks shaped like pillows in the central valley of mid-ocean ridges. Such rocks can form only if molten material hardens quickly after erupting under water. The presence of these rocks supports the theory of sea-floor spreading. More support ...

ES 106 Laboratory # 4 - Resources
• Determine the rate of sea-floor spreading that occurs along a mid-ocean ridge by using paleomagnetic evidence and determine age of ocean basin

SEAFLOOR SPREADING READING QUESTIONS - Quia
ANSWER KEY. PER.: SEAFLOOR SPREADING READING QUESTIONS. 1. RIDGE-RIFT SYSTEMS. valley running through their centers. are systems of underwater mountains that have a rift. 2. SEAFLOOR SPREADING. valley and forms new ocean floor. 3. Ocean floor spreading explains how is the process in which lava erupts from a rift. THE CONTINENTS “DRIFTED” …

Modeling Seafloor Spreading - baesi.org
Overview. Students create models which show the formation of new oceanic crust through seafloor spreading and its destruction in subduction zones. They incorporate the concept of magnetic polarity reversal evident in the seafloor, one of many important pieces of evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics.

Answer Key – Student Activity - NOAA
Note: The average spreading rate in the Atlantic is around 2 cm/yr. Student answers however may vary here somewhat depending on the sea floor strip they use. 10. Answers vary based on students’ ages and calculated rates, but answers should be calculated by multiplying the rate from (9) by age. For example, within a 16

Seafloor Spreading Simulation
Seafloor Spreading Simulation. Part I: Answer the following questions based on your seafloor spreading model. 1) Let’s assume the oldest oceanic crust formed when Pangaea started to split apart. • Label these two lines with their age: 200 million years old.

.A ^ | Seafloor Spreading Rates - nanelson.weebly.com
Directions: Answer these questions before you begin the Lab. 1. Where can you find the data about each peak that you need for this lab? 2. What formula do you use to calculate the rate of movement in this lab? How did scientists me their knowledge of seafloor spreading and magnetic field reversals to reconstruct Pangaeat Try this lab to see how ...

Sea Floor Spreading Worksheet - mrsfaiello.weebly.com
Answer the following questions using your model of sea-floor spreading. 1) What feature of the ocean floor does the center slit represent? 2) What prominent feature of the ocean floor is missing from the model at this point?

Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading Lab Questions
Answer the following questions using your model of sea-floor spreading. 1) What feature of the ocean floor does the center slit represent? 2) What prominent feature of the ocean floor is missing from the model at this point?

Dynamic Earth Sea-Floor Spreading Lab
Sea Floor Spreading occurs at the mid-ocean ridge where two plates are moving away from each other. Magma (hot molten underground rock material) rises up into the gap from below and cools to form new seafloor rock.

Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading 1 - Welcome to Mrs.
Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading. Along the entire length of Earth’s mid-ocean ridge, the sea floor is spreading. Although this process takes place constantly, it is difficult to observe directly. You can build a model to help understand this process. 1.

Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key Copy - netsec.csuci.edu
Sea floor spreading labs often involve interpreting maps, analyzing data tables, and constructing models. The specific activities and the corresponding "answer key" will vary depending on the lab design.

Name Block Date - coventryschools.org
Seafloor spreading: The process by which molten rock rises, cools, solidifies, and is pulled apart by tectonic plates. Procedure: 1. Cut along the dotted lines of the seafloor-spreading model pattern on p. 96. 2. Color the areas indicated on the two strips with crayons or colored pencils. 3.

Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key (Download Only)
spreading leave you feeling lost at sea? Then prepare to be amazed! "Sea Floor Spreading Lab Answer Key: A Journey to the Ocean's Deepest Mysteries" will unlock the secrets of our dynamic Earth. This isn't your typical textbook; it’s an interactive adventure that uses real-world scenarios and engaging visuals to demystify complex geological ...

Sea Floor Spreading Answer Key - netsec.csuci.edu
This "sea floor spreading answer key" has provided a comprehensive overview of this crucial geological process. By understanding the fundamental principles and evidence, you can confidently approach any related questions and deepen your …

Name Date SEA FLOOR SPREADING (L 1, 2, 3) - Hofstra …
In this activity, you will observe the pattern and learn to calculate the rate of sea floor spreading. The diagram on the next page represents a section of the ocean floor in the North Atlantic. The numbers give the ages in millions of years for the rocks on the ocean floor located along the lines. 1.

Modeling sea floor spreading - Ms. Randall's Science Scene
In this activity students will use actual data from historic oceanographic cruises to examine sea floor spreading. They will also model sea floor spreading at a spreading center such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Plot data on a diagram. Draw conclusions from the data.

Modeling Seafloor Spreading - Earth Science
The process of seafloor spreading created the seafloor of the oceans. For example, in the Atlantic Ocean, North America and South America moved away from Europe and Africa and the resulting crack was filled by mantle material, which cooled and formed new lithosphere. The process continues today.

Modeling Sea-Floor Spreading - 8th Grade Integrated …
Mid-ocean ridges are long, underwater mountain chains that rise up from the ocean floors. New ocean crust is continually added to Earth along these ridges in a process called sea-floor spreading. During sea-floor spreading, two tectonic plates …