Sea Floor Spreading

What is sea floor spreading?

The process by which new sea floor is formed as it moves away from spreading centers in mid-ocean ridges.

What are some of the major land forms that are created from plate movement?

Mountains, volcanoes, trenches, and the 7 continents were all formed from plate movement.

How were the Mariana Islands formed?

The Mariana Islands were formed by underwater volcanoes along the Marianas Trench. The northern islands consist of high volcanic islands while the southern islands consist of raised-limestone.

What evidence exists today that the plates are still moving and that the islands are ancient volcanoes?

The frictional movement of the Philippine plate under the Pacific plate above the asthenosphere which causes earthquakes and minute tremors.

What is an atoll?

An atoll is a coral reef that develops as a ring around a central lagoon.

Why are atolls mainly found on the Pacific?

Atolls establish themselves on coral reefs, which are found mainly in the Pacific Ocean because of its warm tropical climate.