The seafloor spreading hypothesis predicts that the mid-ocean ridges should be locations of rising asthenosphere. This prediction is supported by seismic data that indicates
A) faster seismic wave velocities at the trenches.
B) slower seismic wave velocities at the trenches.
C) faster seismic wave velocities at the ridges.
D) slower seismic wave velocities at the ridges.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Slower seismic wave velocities at the ridges indicate that the material there is hotter and possibly in a partially molten state, which is consistent with the idea of rising asthenosphere material at mid-ocean ridges as proposed by the seafloor spreading hypothesis.

The Seafloor Spreading Hypothesis Predicts That the Mid-Ocean Ridges Should