Which describes ocean rocks that are found near mid ocean ridges
Ocean rocks near mid ocean ridges are typically basaltic in composition and are formed from the cooling of molten lava.
Ocean rocks that are found near mid-ocean ridges are primarily composed of basalt. Basalt is a dark-colored extrusive volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava at the Earth's surface. It is composed mainly of minerals such as pyroxene, plagioclase feldspar, and olivine. These rocks are often referred to as basaltic rocks or oceanic crust. They typically have a fine-grained texture due to the rapid cooling process. Additionally, these rocks may contain minerals such as magnetite and sulfide minerals that form in the high-temperature hydrothermal vents commonly found near mid-ocean ridges.
Ocean rocks found near mid-ocean ridges are primarily composed of basalt. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of molten magma that has emerged from beneath the Earth's surface. It is the most common type of rock found in the Earth's oceanic crust.
To understand why basalt rocks are found near mid-ocean ridges, we need to explore the process of seafloor spreading. Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges that run through the center of the Earth's major oceans. These ridges are formed by the divergent movement of tectonic plates.
At mid-ocean ridges, new oceanic crust is created as magma rises to the surface from the mantle, forming a ridge. The molten magma cools and solidifies upon contact with the cold seawater, creating basalt rocks. As more magma continues to rise, the newly formed basaltic crust pushes the older crust away from the ridge, allowing for the continuous spreading of the seafloor.
The basaltic rocks found near mid-ocean ridges are dark in color, fine-grained, and rich in minerals such as iron and magnesium. They typically exhibit a characteristic pillow-like shape due to rapid cooling and solidification when they come into contact with the cold water of the ocean.
In summary, ocean rocks found near mid-ocean ridges are primarily composed of basalt. These rocks are formed through the process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, where magma rises and solidifies to create new oceanic crust.