On this map of the south Atlantic, why is the mid-ocean ridge in the center of the ocean?
A)Subduction is consuming seafloor beneath both adjacent continents.
B)Seafloor is added to both sides during seafloor spreading.
C)Subduction has occurred under one and then another of the adjacent continents.
D)Seafloor spreading has stopped in this area.

Question

On this map of the south Atlantic, why is the mid-ocean ridge in the center of the ocean? 
A)Subduction is consuming seafloor beneath both adjacent continents. 
B)Seafloor is added to both sides during seafloor spreading. 
C)Subduction has occurred under one and then another of the adjacent continents. 
D)Seafloor spreading has stopped in this area.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mid-ocean ridge is in the center of the ocean because seafloor is added to both sides during seafloor spreading. As magma rises and cools at the spreading center, it creates new crust, which moves away from the ridge in both directions, thus pushing the continents apart. This process results in the formation of a mid-ocean ridge in the center of the ocean basin.

On This Map of the South Atlantic, Why Is the Mid-Ocean