Asked by Jared Easton on May 09, 2024

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Mid-ocean ridges are elevated above the seafloor. The elevation of the seafloor:

A) decreases away from the mid-ocean ridge because of the cooling and contraction of the rocks
B) increases away from the mid-ocean ridge because of the expansion of the rocks
C) decreases away from the mid-ocean ridge because of the expansion of the rocks
D) increases away from the mid-ocean ridge because of the cooling and contraction of the rocks

Mid-ocean Ridge

An underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics, that stretches across the ocean floors and is characterized by a rift at its summit from which new oceanic crust is formed.

Seafloor Elevation

The vertical height of the ocean floor above or below a reference surface, typically mean sea level.

Rocks Cooling

The process of igneous rocks solidifying and crystallizing from magma or lava as they lose heat.

  • Comprehend the function of mantle activities in the mechanics of tectonic plate shifts.
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BP
Breanna PursellMay 10, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
The elevation of the seafloor decreases away from the mid-ocean ridge because as the newly formed rocks move away from the ridge, they cool and contract, leading to a decrease in volume and thus a lower elevation.