<P> A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonics . It consists of various mountains linked in chains , typically having a valley known as a rift running along its spine . This type of oceanic mountain ridge is characteristic of what is known as an oceanic spreading center , which is responsible for seafloor spreading . The production of new seafloor results from mantle upwelling in response to plate spreading ; this isentropic upwelling solid mantle material eventually exceeds the solidus and melts . The buoyant melt rises as magma at a linear weakness in the oceanic crust , and emerges as lava , creating new crust upon cooling . A mid-ocean ridge demarcates the boundary between two tectonic plates , and consequently is termed a divergent plate boundary . </P>
<P> A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonics . It consists of various mountains linked in chains , typically having a valley known as a rift running along its spine . This type of oceanic mountain ridge is characteristic of what is known as an oceanic spreading center , which is responsible for seafloor spreading . The production of new seafloor results from mantle upwelling in response to plate spreading ; this isentropic upwelling solid mantle material eventually exceeds the solidus and melts . The buoyant melt rises as magma at a linear weakness in the oceanic crust , and emerges as lava , creating new crust upon cooling . A mid-ocean ridge demarcates the boundary between two tectonic plates , and consequently is termed a divergent plate boundary . </P>
what is the process that takes place at mid ocean ridges
what is the process that takes place at mid ocean ridges
seafloor spreading
seafloor spreading