Which describes ocean rocks that are found near mid-ocean ridges?
A. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
B. They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments.
C. They are older and form through the cementation of sediments.
D. They are older and form through the cooling of magma.
A. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
The correct answer is A. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
To answer this question, we need to understand the process behind the formation of ocean rocks near mid-ocean ridges.
Mid-ocean ridges are areas where tectonic plates are spreading apart, resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust. When magma rises to the surface at these ridges, it cools and solidifies, forming rocks.
Now, let's analyze the options:
A. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
This option correctly states that the rocks near mid-ocean ridges are younger. As new crust is formed at these ridges, the rocks that result from the cooling of magma are indeed relatively young.
B. They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments.
This option is incorrect. Cementation of sediments occurs in other environments, such as when loose sediments are compacted together over time. It is not the primary process by which rocks are formed near mid-ocean ridges.
C. They are older and form through the cementation of sediments.
This option is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, rocks near mid-ocean ridges are younger, so they cannot be older. Additionally, the formation of rocks through the cementation of sediments does not occur near mid-ocean ridges.
D. They are older and form through the cooling of magma.
This option is also incorrect. The rocks near mid-ocean ridges are younger, not older, as new rock formation occurs when magma cools and solidifies at these locations.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.