How are magnetic patterns in seafloor rock evidence of seafloor spreading?

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Chemistry

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18 May, 20:04

How are magnetic patterns in seafloor rock evidence of seafloor spreading?

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Tessa Warner · Answer 1

Seafloor spreading

Explanation:

Seafloor spreading is a geologic process in which tectonic plates-large slabs of Earth's lithosphere-split apart from each other.

Seafloor spreading and other tectonic activity processes are the result of mantle convection. Mantle convection is the slow, churning motion of Earth's mantle. Convection currents carry heat from the lower mantle and core to the lithosphere. Convection currents also "recycle" lithospheric materials back to the mantle.

Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent plate boundaries. As tectonic plates slowly move away from each other, heat from the mantle's convection currents makes the crust more plastic and less dense. The less-dense material rises, often forming a mountain or elevated area of the seafloor.

Eventually, the crust cracks. Hot magma fueled by mantle convection bubbles up to fill these fractures and spills onto the crust. This bubbled-up magma is cooled by frigid seawater to form igneous rock. This rock (basalt) becomes a new part of Earth's crust.