What happens to the temperature of rock as one moves towards mid-ocean ridge seafloor spreading areas?

What happens to the temperature of rock as one moves towards mid-ocean ridge seafloor spreading areas?

• A. Temperature drops
• B. Temperature remains constant
• C. Temperature rises
• D. Temperature fluctuates

Answer: (C)

As one moves toward mid-ocean ridge seafloor spreading areas, the temperature of the rock rises significantly. Mid-ocean ridges are formed by tectonic plate movements where magma from the mantle rises to create new oceanic crust. This process is accompanied by geothermal activity, where the newly formed oceanic crust is hot due to the proximity to the molten material beneath the Earth’s surface. As you get closer to the ridge, the heat from this magma influences the surrounding rocks, raising their temperature. This heat is also a result of tectonic processes and the continual release of magma, which contributes to the ongoing formation of new crust. Conversely, moving away from the mid-ocean ridge typically results in cooler temperatures of the rocks as they age and move further from the heat source.

As one moves toward mid-ocean ridge seafloor spreading areas, the temperature of the rock rises significantly. Mid-ocean ridges are formed by tectonic plate movements where magma from the mantle rises to create new oceanic crust. This process is accompanied by geothermal activity, where the newly formed oceanic crust is hot due to the proximity to the molten material beneath the Earth’s surface.

As you get closer to the ridge, the heat from this magma influences the surrounding rocks, raising their temperature. This heat is also a result of tectonic processes and the continual release of magma, which contributes to the ongoing formation of new crust. Conversely, moving away from the mid-ocean ridge typically results in cooler temperatures of the rocks as they age and move further from the heat source.