The sea floor is spreading apart from an oceanic ridge labeled A. The data show the age of rock samples taken from the sea floor on both sides of the rid
Age and Distance of Sea-Floor Rocks from Oceanic Ridge
rocks originated at oceanic rocks originated at oceanic
ridge moving west
ridge moving east
100+
Age (Ma)
+
2,000
1,000
50 Ma
ΝΑ
1,080 km
0
1,000
Distance (km)
oceanic ridge
2,000
• Explain the relationship between the age of the rocks and their distance from the mid-ocean ridge.
• Explain how the age and distance data support the statement that the sea floor is spreading.