Answer:
Because oceanic crust is continually being created at the ocean ridge and then gradually moves away from the ridge over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The age of oceanic crust increases as the distance from the ocean ridge increases because oceanic crust is continually being created at the ocean ridge and then gradually moves away from the ridge over time. The ocean ridge is a long, underwater mountain range that runs along the bottom of the ocean, and it is the site of intense volcanic activity. This volcanic activity creates new oceanic crust, which is made up of layers of molten rock that cool and solidify as they move away from the ocean ridge. Over time, the oceanic crust moves further and further away from the ocean ridge, and as it moves, it cools and becomes older. This is why the age of oceanic crust increases as the distance from the ocean ridge increases - the further the crust is from the ridge, the older it is.