The Seafloor Spreading Theory

Mantle convection is the slow churn ing motion of earth s mantle.

The seafloor spreading theory. Seafloor spreading is a geologic process in which tectonic plate s large slabs of earth s lithosphere split apart from each other. The mid ocean ridge is where the seafloor spreading occurs in which tectonic plates large slabs of earth s lithosphere split apart from each other. Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. This idea played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of plate tectonics which revolutionized geologic thought during the last quarter of the 20th century.

Seafloor spreading is the mechanism by which new seafloor lithosphere is constantly being created at mid ocean ridges. Seafloor spreading and other tectonic activity processes are the result of mantle convection. When oceanic plates diverge tensional stress causes fractures to occur in the lithosphere. The theory of seafloor spreading.

Seafloor spreading is a geologic process where there is a gradual addition of new oceanic crust in the ocean floor through a volcanic activity while moving the older rocks away from the mid oceanic ridge. The motivating force for seafloor spreading ridges is tectonic plate slab pull at subduction zones rather than magma pressure although there is typically. Seafloor spreading theory that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones known collectively as the mid ocean ridge system and spreads out laterally away from them.