Answer:
The age of rocks found near the mid-ocean ridge is younger compared to the rocks found farther away from the ridge. This is because new oceanic crust is continuously formed at the mid-ocean ridge through volcanic activity and then moves away from the ridge, spreading out like a conveyor belt.
As magma rises up to the surface at the mid-ocean ridge, it cools and solidifies to form new igneous rock. These rocks contain minerals that can be radiometrically dated to determine their age. As the new oceanic crust moves away from the mid-ocean ridge, it undergoes a process of cooling and solidification that results in the formation of progressively older rocks.
The pattern of rock ages near the mid-ocean ridge therefore provides evidence of plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates. The spreading of the ocean floor from the mid-ocean ridge causes the movement of the tectonic plates, which in turn causes the movement of continents. This process is known as seafloor spreading and it explains the formation of new oceanic crust at the mid-ocean ridge and the movement of plates away from the ridge.
The pattern of rock ages near the mid-ocean ridge is consistent with the theory of plate tectonics and provides strong evidence for the movement of tectonic plates. This pattern has been observed in many parts of the world and is a key piece of evidence that supports our understanding of how the Earth's crust and continents have evolved over time.
Step-by-step explanation: