Seafloor Spreading and
Subduction
Did you know that the earth is constantly recycling itself? Earth’s
crust is continually sinking back into the mantle while at the same time, new
earth is being formed! Each of these processes occur at various locations
around the globe along the plate boundaries.
Seafloor spreading is the process of molten material from the mantle
being pushed upward to the surface of the earth and spreading apart, creating
new earth. This process occurs along divergent plate boundaries at areas called
mid-ocean ridges . The best known ridge on the globe runs straight down the
middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is called the mid-Atlantic ridge. Seafloor
spreading at this ridge is constantly and SLOWLY pushing North America and
South American away from Europe and Africa.
Just like most concepts and processes in science, there is solid evidence to
support the process of seafloor spreading. For example, when scientists study the
rock around the mid-ocean ridge, the rock CLOSEST to the ridge is newer and
YOUNGER than the older rock further away from the ridge. Also, scientist have
found magnetic material in the earth that correspond with the earth’s magnetic
poles. The magnetic pattern on one side of the ridge has shown to been identically
symmetrical with the magnetic pattern on the opposite side of the ridge.
Along other plate boundaries, a process called subduction occurs.
Subduction is where one lithospheric plate collides and plunges down into the
mantle. This process occurs along convergent boundaries at areas called deep-
ocean trenches. The results of subduction include mountain folding and volcanoes.
As one lithospheric plate pushes into another, the crust on top is pushed and folded
upward. If you look on a map, you can easily identify where subduction occurs due
to where mountain ranges have formed. The two processes of seafloor spreading
and subduction work together to constantly recycle and renew the earth’s crust.
While new earth is being “born” at mid-ocean ridges by seafloor spreading, in
other areas earth is being “destroyed” at deep-ocean trenches by subduction. ©J.Smith,*2015*
Seafloor Spreading and
Subduction
Did you know that the earth is constantly recycling itself? Earth’s
crust is continually sinking back into the mantle while at the same time, new
earth is being formed! Each of these processes occur at various locations
around the globe along the plate boundaries.
Seafloor spreading is the process of molten material from the mantle
being pushed upward to the surface of the earth and spreading apart, creating
new earth. This process occurs along divergent plate boundaries at areas called
mid-ocean ridges . The best known ridge on the globe runs straight down the
middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is called the mid-Atlantic ridge. Seafloor
spreading at this ridge is constantly and SLOWLY pushing North America and
South American away from Europe and Africa.
Just like most concepts and processes in science, there is solid evidence to
support the process of seafloor spreading. For example, when scientists study the
rock around the mid-ocean ridge, the rock CLOSEST to the ridge is newer and
YOUNGER than the older rock further away from the ridge. Also, scientist have
found magnetic material in the earth that correspond with the earth’s magnetic
poles. The magnetic pattern on one side of the ridge has shown to been identically
symmetrical with the magnetic pattern on the opposite side of the ridge.
Along other plate boundaries, a process called subduction occurs.
Subduction is where one lithospheric plate collides and plunges down into the
mantle. This process occurs along convergent boundaries at areas called deep-
ocean trenches. The results of subduction include mountain folding and volcanoes.
As one lithospheric plate pushes into another, the crust on top is pushed and folded
upward. If you look on a map, you can easily identify where subduction occurs due
to where mountain ranges have formed. The two processes of seafloor spreading
and subduction work together to constantly recycle and renew the earth’s crust.
While new earth is being “born” at mid-ocean ridges by seafloor spreading, in
other areas earth is being “destroyed” at deep-ocean trenches by subduction.
5*
 Instructions:
Using the foldables, explain what seafloor spreading is, where it occurs, and what it causes (use the passage!). Do the same for
subduction. Next, create a sample visual of seafloor spreading by cutting a slit in your notebook and pushing the two lines strips

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of paper up through (see example). Use tape for reinforcement. Last, on the image, color the arrows showing subduction & label the
image appropriately. When finished, respond to the writing prompt and add any other information your teacher instructs.

IS... IS...
Seafloor Spreading

Subduction

Explain how the earth’s crust is constantly recycling and renewing itself.
Occurs at... Occurs at...

Causes… Causes…

6*
©J.Smith,*2015*