Consider the following statements with reference to Seafloor Spreading...
New Crust Creation
- Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed through volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges.
- As magma rises to the surface, it cools and solidifies, creating new crust.
- This process is continuous and results in the gradual widening of the ocean basins.
Divergent Plate Boundaries
- Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent plate boundaries.
- Divergent plate boundaries are areas where tectonic plates are moving away from each other.
- This movement creates a gap between the plates, allowing magma to rise and form new crust.
Explanation of Correct Answer
The correct answer is option C, which states that both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Seafloor spreading is a fundamental process in plate tectonics. It involves the creation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges, which are a type of divergent plate boundary.
At these ridges, two tectonic plates are moving away from each other. As they separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap. This magma cools and solidifies, forming new crust. Over time, this process leads to the continuous creation of new oceanic crust and the widening of the ocean basins.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct because new crust is indeed created through seafloor spreading. Statement 2 is also correct because seafloor spreading occurs specifically at divergent plate boundaries.
Overall, seafloor spreading plays a crucial role in the Earth's geology and the movement of tectonic plates. It is responsible for the formation of new crust, the creation of mid-ocean ridges, and the continuous renewal of the ocean basins.