An underwater mountain range is called a “mid-ocean ridge.” These ridges are formed by tectonic plate movements and volcanic activity under the ocean. They are some of the longest mountain ranges in the world, often stretching for thousands of kilometers along the ocean floor.
The mid-ocean ridges play a crucial role in the geological activity of the Earth. As tectonic plates move apart, magma rises from below the Earth’s crust, cools, and forms new oceanic crust. This process not only creates the ridges themselves but also contributes to the phenomenon of seafloor spreading.
In addition to being significant geological formations, mid-ocean ridges also support unique ecosystems. Hydrothermal vents found along these ridges release mineral-rich water, which sustains a variety of organisms that thrive in these extreme conditions, independent of sunlight.