The mid-ocean ridges are elevated above the surrounding sea floor because ____________.
A)ridge rocks are hot and therefore of relatively low density
B)the lithospheric plates are thickest at the ridges so they stand up taller
C)rising ocean currents leave a vacuum above the ridge
D)ridge rocks are mafic,whereas the ocean basin crust consists of ultramafic rock

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ridge rocks are hot and therefore of relatively low density, causing them to be elevated above the surrounding sea floor. This is the result of the process of seafloor spreading, where new crust is formed at the mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away, creating new oceanic crust. As the hot and less dense rock rises and cools, it forms new crust, causing the ridge to become elevated.

The Mid-Ocean Ridges Are Elevated Above the Surrounding Sea Floor