What Is Seafloor Spreading Theory

Reconstruction of the map of the world according to drift theory for three epochs the upper one is the upper carboniferous the middle one is for the eocene and the lower one is for the lower quaternary.

What is seafloor spreading theory.

Seafloor spreading helps to explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. When igneous rocks like basalt crystallize the iron atoms in them align with the magnetic field of the earth. When oceanic plates diverge tensional stress causes fractures to occur in the lithosphere. Looking for seafloor spreading theory.

Seafloor spreading and magnetic striping rising. Seafloor spreading evidence process. Seafloor spreading is a geologic process in which tectonic plates large slabs of earth s lithosphere split. Seafloor spreading theory that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones and spreads out laterally away from them.

The highly dense oceanic crust that is formed after a progressive spreading is destined to two possible occurrences. Most but not all earthquakes in this planar dipping zone result from compression and the seismic activity extends 300 to 700 km 200 to 400 miles below the surface implying that the subducted crust retains some rigidity to this depth at greater depths the subducted plate is partially recycled into the mantle. 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. Our mission is to liberate knowledge.

In locations where two plates move apart at mid ocean ridges new seafloor is continually formed during seafloor spreading. Geologists were aware that the north south magnetic polarity of the earth s magnetic. Theory of lithospheric evolution that holds that the ocean floors are spreading outward from vast underwater ridges. It can either be subducted into the ocean deep trench or continue to spread across the ocean until it reaches a coast.

Find out information about seafloor spreading theory. The theory of plate tectonics revolutionized the earth sciences by explaining how the movement of geologic plates causes mountain building volcanoes and earthquakes. Upsc geography sea floor spreading.