Why are there virtually no sediments at ocean ridges, even when they are close to land? A) The sediments get deflected from the topographic high of the ridge. B) The sediments get buried by volcanic rocks, so are not visible. C) The crust is too young; there hasn't been enough time for sediments to accumulate. D) No one knows, it is one of the mysteries of geology.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ocean ridges are areas where tectonic plates are diverging and magma is rising to form new crust. The crust at ocean ridges is relatively young, usually less than 200 million years old, and therefore there hasn't been enough time for sediments to accumulate. Sediments tend to accumulate in areas where there is little to no tectonic activity, such as at the bottom of the ocean away from the ridges, or on top of older, more stable crust closer to continents.

Why Are There Virtually No Sediments at Ocean Ridges, Even