The seafloor magnetic pattern is best described as:
A) not related to the location of oceanic ridges.
B) parallel to and symmetric about ocean ridges.
C) parallel to, but not symmetric about ocean ridges.
D) perpendicular to and symmetric about ocean ridges.
E) perpendicular to, but not symmetric about ocean ridges.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The seafloor magnetic pattern is parallel to and symmetric about ocean ridges. As new crust is formed at oceanic ridges, magma rises up from the mantle and solidifies into rock, creating a new section of seafloor. The Earth's magnetic field aligns the magnetic minerals in the rock, creating a magnetic stripe pattern that is parallel to and symmetric about the ridge.

The Seafloor Magnetic Pattern Is Best Described As