The oldest seafloor is a no more than 280 million years in old because
A) Earth is only 280 million years old.
B) the ocean floor is pushed up onto continental material during plate collisions.
C) the ocean floor subducts during plate collisions.
D) hot spots continuously destroy the ocean floor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ocean floor subducts during plate collisions, which means that the oldest seafloor is constantly being recycled into the mantle. As a result, the oldest seafloor that remains on the Earth's surface is no more than 280 million years old. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Earth is much older than 280 million years, the ocean floor can be pushed up onto continental material but that does not impact its age, and hot spots do not destroy the ocean floor.

The Oldest Seafloor Is a No More Than 280 Million