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Figure 1: A model demonstrating seafloor spreading, where magma rises at a mid-ocean ridge, cools, and forms new oceanic crust, pushing older crust away from the ridge.

Diagram illustrating the process of seafloor spreading, showing two strips of paper representing tectonic plates being pulled through slits, with colored sections representing magma cooling and forming new seafloor.

Diagram illustrating the process of seafloor spreading, showing two strips of paper representing tectonic plates being pulled through slits, with colored sections representing magma cooling and forming new seafloor.

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: Seafloor Spreading Activity | PDF | Plate Tectonics | Earth

Problem Overview:


The task involves constructing a paper model to demonstrate the process of seafloor spreading, which is a key concept in plate tectonics. The goal is to illustrate how new seafloor forms at mid-ocean ridges and how it spreads outward as tectonic plates move apart.

Solution Explanation:



#### Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Cut along the dotted lines of the seafloor-spreading model pattern on p. 96.
- This step involves cutting out two strips from the provided model pattern. These strips represent the seafloor that will be used to simulate the spreading process.

2. Color the areas indicated on the two strips with crayons or colored pencils.
- Use different colors (e.g., orange, yellow, green, blue) to color specific sections of the strips. This helps visualize the age and movement of the seafloor over time. Typically, scientists use color coding to represent different ages of rock formations.

3. Tape together the orange ends of the strips with the colored sides facing each other.
- Tape the orange ends of the two strips together. This simulates the point where new seafloor is formed at the mid-ocean ridge. The colored sides facing each other represent the symmetrical nature of seafloor spreading, where new rock forms equally on both sides of the ridge.

4. Thread the two strips through Slit B of the larger sheet. Pull one side down through Slit A and the other through Slit C (Figure 1).
- Place the taped strips through Slit B of the larger sheet. Then, pull one strip downward through Slit A and the other strip downward through Slit C. This setup allows the strips to move independently but remain connected at the taped end.

5. Pull the strips through the slits so that the same colors on both strips emerge from Slit B and disappear into Slits A and C at the same time.
- As you pull the strips through the slits, observe how the colors on both strips align and move symmetrically away from Slit B. This demonstrates how new seafloor spreads outward from the mid-ocean ridge as the tectonic plates move apart.

#### Key Concepts Illustrated:
- Mid-Ocean Ridge: The point where new seafloor is created due to magma rising and cooling.
- Seafloor Spreading: The process by which new seafloor moves outward from the mid-ocean ridge as tectonic plates diverge.
- Symmetry: The seafloor spreads equally on both sides of the ridge, creating a mirror-like pattern.
- Consumption at Trenches: While not directly modeled here, the activity indirectly represents how older seafloor is eventually consumed at subduction zones (trenches).

#### Visual Representation:
- The taped orange ends represent the mid-ocean ridge where new seafloor is formed.
- The colored sections on the strips represent different ages of seafloor rocks.
- As the strips are pulled through the slits, the colors moving outward from Slit B simulate the spreading process.

Final Answer:


The paper model effectively demonstrates seafloor spreading by showing how new seafloor forms at the mid-ocean ridge and spreads outward as tectonic plates move apart. The symmetrical movement of the colored strips illustrates the equal spreading on both sides of the ridge. This hands-on activity helps visualize the dynamic processes occurring beneath Earth's oceans.

Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{The paper model demonstrates seafloor spreading by showing new seafloor forming at the mid-ocean ridge and spreading outward as tectonic plates diverge.}}
\]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of seafloor spreading worksheet.
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