Question

2. What causes the formation of mountain ranges along the ocean floor?

Plate tectonics pulls the ocean floor apart and magma pushes up, forming mountains.
Sediment from rivers causes added sediments until mountains are formed.
Underwater volcanoes erupt, creating underwater mountain chains.
Sedimentary rock is forced together, forming mountain ranges.

Answer 1

The formation of mountain ranges along the ocean floor is primarily caused by plate tectonics. Seafloor spreading and the rising of magma result in the formation of underwater volcanoes and mountain chains. Over time, these underwater mountains may rise above sea level, forming islands or landmasses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of mountain ranges along the ocean floor is primarily caused by plate tectonics. The ocean floor is made up of various plates that are constantly moving. When two plates move apart, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, leading to the formation of underwater volcanoes and mountain chains.

This process is known as seafloor spreading. As magma cools and solidifies, it creates new oceanic crust, which eventually piles up and forms mountains on the ocean floor. These mountain ranges are often accompanied by other features like rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges.

Over time, the continuous movement of the tectonic plates can cause these underwater mountains to rise above sea level, forming island chains or even larger landmasses.

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