Chapter 8: Problem 5

Why do mid-ocean ridges form?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Mid-ocean ridges form due to the divergent movement of oceanic plates, which leads to mantle upwelling and seafloor spreading. This process creates new oceanic crust and the distinct topography characteristic of mid-ocean ridges, as well as unique environments for diverse ecosystems to thrive at hydrothermal vents.

Step by step solution

1. Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics is the study of the movement of large pieces of the Earth's crust called tectonic plates. There are two main types of plates, oceanic and continental, which interact with each other through processes like subduction, convergence, and divergence. Mid-ocean ridges are the result of divergent boundaries, where oceanic plates are moving away from each other.

2. Mantle Upwelling

As the oceanic plates move apart at divergent boundaries, mantle material from beneath the lithosphere wells up to fill the gap. This process, known as mantle upwelling, brings hot, partially molten material to the surface, where it cools and solidifies to form new oceanic crust.

3. Seafloor Spreading

The process of new oceanic crust forming at a mid-ocean ridge and moving away from the ridge is called seafloor spreading. As the seafloor spreads, it creates a topographic feature known as a mid-ocean ridge, which can be thousands of kilometers long and several kilometers wide. These ridges form an interconnected system across the Earth and are the largest geological features on our planet.

4. Interaction with Water

The oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges interacts with seawater, which circulates through cracks and fissures in the crust. This process, called hydrothermal circulation, causes the release of heat from the crust and leads to the formation of hydrothermal vents. These vents release mineral-rich fluids, providing a unique environment for diverse and specialized ecosystems to thrive. In conclusion, mid-ocean ridges form due to the divergent movement of oceanic plates, which leads to mantle upwelling and seafloor spreading. The process creates new oceanic crust and the distinct topography characteristic of mid-ocean ridges.

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Why do mid-ocean ridges form?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Plate Tectonics

2. Mantle Upwelling

3. Seafloor Spreading

4. Interaction with Water

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