A map of the ages of the sea floor shows_______ .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A map of the ages of the sea floor shows how much material was produced at the ridges during a given period of time. As new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and spreads away in opposite directions, it records the Earth's magnetic field polarity at the time of its formation. By studying the magnetic anomalies preserved in the rocks of the sea floor, scientists can determine the age of the crust and the rate of spreading at different locations. This information can then be used to create a map of the age of the sea floor, which shows the amount of material produced at the ridges during a given time period.

A Map of the Ages of the Sea Floor Shows_______