Ocean rift zone saw spreading happen in a sudden burst
French scientists monitoring the ocean floor have discovered that tectonic plate spreading at mid-ocean ridges can occur in sudden, rapid bursts rather than constant movement. The study, conducted at a remote rift zone between the Australian and Antarctic plates, also noted that significant spreading events can happen without detectable seismic activity.
Why it matters
This finding challenges existing models of plate tectonics and provides new insights into the geological processes that shape the Earth's crust.
Opening up Ocean rift zone saw spreading happen in a sudden burst The crust expands at mid-ocean rifts. But how?
The article is a purely scientific report on geological research.
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