Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mid-oceanic-ridge

Noun

/ˌmɪd oʊˈʌʃənɪk rɪdʒ/

Definition

A mid-oceanic ridge is a continuous mountain range found in the middle of the ocean, formed by tectonic plates that are pulling apart, allowing magma to rise from below the Earth’s crust.

Examples

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the longest mountain range in the world.
Marine life around the mid-oceanic ridge is unique due to the extreme conditions.
Geologists study the mid-oceanic ridge to understand plate tectonics better.

Meaning

It refers to the underwater mountain ranges that are created by volcanic activity at divergent tectonic plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is being formed.