The Seafloor Spreading Theory

Seafloor spreading is a geologic process in which tectonic plate s large slabs of earth s lithosphere split apart from each other.

The seafloor spreading theory.

Seafloor spreading is a geologic process where there is a gradual addition of new oceanic crust in the ocean floor through a volcanic activity while moving the older rocks away from the mid oceanic ridge. Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. The mid ocean ridge is where the seafloor spreading occurs in which tectonic plates large slabs of earth s lithosphere split apart from each other. This theory introduced by harry hess was proven as patterns.

When oceanic plates diverge tensional stress causes fractures to occur in the lithosphere. Seafloor spreading is the mechanism by which new seafloor lithosphere is constantly being created at mid ocean ridges. This idea played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of plate tectonics which revolutionized geologic thought during the last quarter of the 20th century. The motivating force for seafloor spreading ridges is tectonic plate slab pull at subduction zones rather than magma pressure although there is typically.

Sea floor spreading theory as per seafloor spreading theory the mid oceanic ridge is the region where at the crest of oceanic ridges through the rupture of the oceanic crust and the crack continuous new lava eruption thrusts into it consequently pushing the oceanic crust on either side. Seafloor spreading theory that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones known collectively as the mid ocean ridge system and spreads out laterally away from them. It leads to the formation of new material on the ridge.