Question

Where would you drill to recover samples of the oldest basalts of the oceanic crust, which are 180 million years in age? a. crest of the East Pacific, mid-ocean ridge b. just offshore from the east coast of the United States c. just offshore from the Hawaiian Islands d. Mid-Atlantic Ridge under Iceland

Answer 1

To recover samples of the oldest basalts of the oceanic crust, which are 180 million years in age, you would typically drill at the crest of the East Pacific mid-ocean ridge. The East Pacific Rise is known for having some of the oldest oceanic crust on Earth, and it's where new oceanic crust is continuously formed through volcanic activity. This region provides access to ancient basalts that have been part of the oceanic crust for millions of years.