Oceanic ridges are lower than the surrounding ocean floor due to the warm, less dense oceanic crust found along the ridges.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oceanic ridges are actually higher than the surrounding ocean floor due to the upwelling of hot magma from the mantle causing the formation of new oceanic crust. The newly formed crust is thinner and lower in density than the older surrounding crust, which causes the ridges to rise above the surrounding ocean floor.

Oceanic Ridges Are Lower Than the Surrounding Ocean Floor Due