Problem
The rock that composes the oceanic crust is much younger than the rock that composes the continents. This has to do with the fact that volcanoes along Mid-Oceanic Ridges (MOR) erupt molten rock that cools to form basalt, and creates a thin oceanic crustal rock. Ocean basins, including the Atlantic ocean basin, are formed in this way.
• Part I: Discuss what is happening at the MOR in terms of plate tectonics. For example, if North America and Africa were once joined as part of Pangaea, what does the MOR have to do with the fact that they are now separated by the Atlantic Ocean?
• Part II: Draw a cross-section of a section of the Mid-Atlantic ridge with as much detail as possible. Title your drawing with approximately where this cross-section is located. Include both a vertical and horizontal axis.