Questions and Answers
What is seafloor spreading?
The process of molten material from the mantle being pushed upward to the surface of the earth and spreading apart creating new earth.
Where does seafloor spreading occur?
This process occurs along divergent plate boundaries at areas called mid-ocean ridges.
What are mid-ocean ridges?
This is where seafloor spreading occurs.
What does seafloor spreading cause?
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What is subduction?
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Where does subduction occur?
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What does subduction cause?
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While new earth is being 'born' at mid-ocean ridges by __________, in other areas earth is being 'destroyed' at deep-ocean trenches by ___________.
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Explain how the Earth's crust is constantly recycling and renewing itself.
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Study Notes
Seafloor Spreading
- Seafloor spreading is the creation of new oceanic crust as molten material rises from the mantle and spreads apart.
- This process primarily occurs at divergent plate boundaries along mid-ocean ridges.
- Seafloor spreading causes landmasses such as North America and South America to drift away from Europe and Africa.
Mid-Ocean Ridges
- Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges where seafloor spreading takes place.
- They are characterized by volcanic activity and are continuously being formed by magma.
Subduction
- Subduction occurs when one lithospheric plate collides with another and is forced downward into the mantle.
- This process is found at convergent boundaries and is associated with deep ocean trenches.
Effects of Subduction
- Subduction leads to geological phenomena such as mountain folding and volcanic activity.
- Deep ocean trenches are prominent features created by the subduction of tectonic plates.
Earth's Crust Recycling
- The Earth's crust is in a constant state of recycling, with seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges producing new crust.
- The rate of seafloor spreading is approximately 5 cm per year, with magma cooling rapidly upon contact with water to form solid crust.
- While new crust is formed at divergent boundaries, old crust is destroyed at subduction zones.
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Description
Test your knowledge on seafloor spreading and subduction processes with these flashcards. Learn about the mechanisms of tectonic plate movements and the significance of mid-ocean ridges in creating new earth. Perfect for students studying geology or earth sciences.
