Which describes ocean rocks that are found near mid-ocean ridges
They are older and form through the cooling of magma
They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments
They are older and form through the cementation of sediments
They are younger and form through the cooling of magma
They are younger and form through the cooling of magma
The correct answer is: They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
The correct answer is: They are younger and form through the cooling of magma.
To understand why this answer is correct, let's break down the options and analyze them one by one:
1. They are older and form through the cooling of magma: This option is incorrect because rocks near mid-ocean ridges are formed through processes related to the movement and cooling of molten magma. As the magma rises and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks, and since the mid-ocean ridges are constantly spreading, the rocks formed near them tend to be younger.
2. They are younger and form through the cementation of sediments: This option is incorrect because the process of cementation typically leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks, not igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks are made up of loose sediment particles that are compacted and cemented together over time. However, the rocks near mid-ocean ridges are primarily igneous rocks, formed from solidification of molten magma.
3. They are older and form through the cementation of sediments: This option is incorrect for the same reason as above. The rocks near mid-ocean ridges are primarily igneous, not sedimentary.
4. They are younger and form through the cooling of magma: This option is correct. Rocks near mid-ocean ridges are indeed younger, as the spreading of the oceanic plates brings fresh magma to the surface. As this molten magma cools and solidifies, it forms new igneous rocks. These rocks are younger than the existing rocks around them since they have formed more recently.
In summary, the correct option is that the rocks found near mid-ocean ridges are younger and form through the cooling of magma.