mid-ocean ridge
A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range where tectonic plates are moving apart. As these plates separate, magma from below the Earth’s crust rises up, creating new oceanic crust. This process leads to volcanic activity and the formation of various landforms along the ridge. Mid-ocean ridges are significant because they are the longest mountain ranges on Earth and play a crucial role in the planet's geology, influencing ocean circulation and the distribution of marine life. They are key sites for the study of plate tectonics and Earth's geological processes.
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A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by tectonic plates moving apart. As these plates separate, magma rises from deep within the Earth, creating new oceanic crust. This process not only shapes the ocean floor but also leads to volcanic activity. Mid-ocean ridges are the longest mountain ranges on Earth, stretching through all oceans. They play a crucial role in the planet's geology, influencing ocean circulation and hosting unique ecosystems, often rich in diverse marine life that thrive in the otherwise challenging environment.