Question

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the mid-ocean ridge that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is between 3000 and 7000 km across and continues to grow. What is a way that you could estimate when rifting began to form the Atlantic Ocean basin?

a) Analyze the age of the rocks on the ocean floor.
b) Measure the width of the Atlantic Ocean.
c) Count the number of islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
d) Use satellite images to track ocean expansion.

Answer 1

To estimate when rifting began to form the Atlantic Ocean basin, analyzing the age of the rocks on the ocean floor and using satellite images to track ocean expansion are suitable methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

To estimate when rifting began to form the Atlantic Ocean basin, one way is to analyze the age of the rocks on the ocean floor. By studying the rocks' ages through various dating techniques, scientists can determine when the crust began to separate and new ocean floor formed.

Using satellite images to track ocean expansion can also provide insight into the timing of when rifting began. By comparing historical images, scientists can observe the growth and movement of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which can give indications of when the Atlantic Ocean basin started to form.

Therefore, options a) Analyzing the age of the rocks on the ocean floor and d) Using satellite images to track ocean expansion would be suitable ways to estimate when rifting began to form the Atlantic Ocean basin.