Which describes ocean rocks that are found near mid-ocean ridges?(1 point)
Responses
They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments.
They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments.
They are older and form through the cooling of magma.
They are older and form through the cooling of magma.
They are older and form through the cementation of sediments.
They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
The correct answer is: They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
The correct response is: They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
To understand why ocean rocks near mid-ocean ridges are younger and form through the cooling of magma, we need to know about the process of seafloor spreading.
Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges where new oceanic crust is formed. At these ridges, magma rises up from the mantle and cools to form new rock. This process is called volcanic activity.
As the magma cools down, it solidifies and forms igneous rocks, such as basalt. These rocks are rich in iron and magnesium and make up the majority of the oceanic crust.
Since the formation of these rocks happens at mid-ocean ridges, which are continually spreading apart, the rocks formed at the ridge crest are the youngest. As the oceanic crust moves away from the ridge, it gets older. This means that the rocks found near mid-ocean ridges are indeed younger.
Therefore, the correct answer is: They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.