First motion studies of mid-ocean ridges show that the faults there are ____, and parallel to the rift valley.

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The mid-ocean ridges are characterized by normal faults, which are perpendicular to the rift valley and represent extensional motion. This allows magma to rise up from the mantle and create new oceanic crust. Subduction and compression do not occur along mid-ocean ridges, and strike-slip motion is relatively uncommon. Deep focus earthquakes are associated with subduction zones, not mid-ocean ridges.

First Motion Studies of Mid-Ocean Ridges Show That the Faults