1. Plate Divergence: Mid-ocean ridges are formed at divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move away from each other. As the plates diverge, a gap is created in the Earth's crust.
2. Mantle Upwelling: The gap created by the diverging plates allows hot, molten rock from the Earth's mantle to rise towards the surface. This material is primarily composed of basalt, a type of igneous rock.
3. Formation of New Crust: As the molten rock reaches the ocean floor, it cools and solidifies, forming new oceanic crust. This newly formed crust extends the edges of the diverging plates, causing the mid-ocean ridge to widen.
4. Seafloor Spreading: The process of continuous magma upwelling, cooling, and solidifying creates a conveyor belt-like movement of the oceanic crust on either side of the ridge. This process is known as seafloor spreading. The oldest oceanic crust is found farthest from the ridge, while the youngest crust is closest to the ridge.
5. Volcanic Activity: The magma rising from the mantle often erupts through the newly formed crust, resulting in volcanic activity along the mid-ocean ridge. These volcanic eruptions contribute to the growth and expansion of the seafloor.
In summary, mid-ocean ridges are formed due to the divergence of tectonic plates, which allows magma from the Earth's mantle to rise and create new oceanic crust through volcanic activity. This process drives seafloor spreading and shapes the Earth's ocean basins.
