Seafloor Spreading

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust forms as magma rises from the Earth’s mantle at mid-ocean ridges. As tectonic plates move apart, the magma cools and solidifies, creating new seafloor. This process is accompanied by paleomagnetism, where iron in molten rock aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field. As the seafloor spreads, these magnetic patterns record reversals in the Earth's magnetism over time. This evidence helps scientists understand plate tectonics, confirm the theory of continental drift, and track the age of different oceanic crust sections, revealing the dynamic nature of our planet.