Hess's Theory of Seafloor Spreading

Hess's Theory of Seafloor Spreading suggests that the ocean floor is created by volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates pull apart. As these plates separate, magma rises from below the Earth’s crust, cooling and forming new oceanic crust. This process continuously pushes older crust away from the ridge, causing the seafloor to expand. Over time, this helps explain the movement of continents and the geological features of the ocean floor, providing insight into plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of the Earth’s surface.